France's far-right leaders court Israel, Germany envoys ahead of vote
Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party is strengthening ties with Germany and Israel ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, as polls suggest RN could lead in the first round. Meetings with ambassadors from Germany, Israel, Lebanon, and the US highlight RN’s diplomatic outreach, while Le Pen’s potential disqualification could elevate deputy Jordan Bardella as the party’s candidate.
France’s far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen, is actively engaging with foreign diplomats as it positions itself for a potential victory in next year’s presidential election. Le Pen, who aims for a fourth presidential run in 2027, has met with ambassadors from Germany, Israel, Lebanon, and the US in recent months. If an appeals court bars her from running due to a fake jobs scam allegation, her deputy Jordan Bardella, 30 and current RN party leader, is expected to take her place. The RN’s diplomatic efforts include a February meeting between Bardella and Germany’s ambassador, described by a party source as routine but focused on shared priorities like budgetary discipline. Germany, a key ally of Israel, has historically grounded its foreign policy in Holocaust responsibility. Bardella also leads the Patriots for Europe group in the EU legislature, co-founded by former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán. Le Pen met Israel’s ambassador last month, a move confirmed by the embassy, which noted it engages with all political parties except the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI). LFI’s leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has faced criticism for alleged antisemitic remarks and pro-Palestinian stances. Before the Israeli meeting, Le Pen also met Lebanon’s ambassador, who thanked her for supporting Lebanon’s ceasefire efforts with Israel. The RN’s outreach extends to the US, where ambassador Charles Kushner met with Le Pen and Bardella in December. Kushner shared a photo on X, praising discussions on the RN’s economic and social agenda. With France hosting Europe’s largest Jewish population, the RN has worked to distance itself from its antisemitic past, including the Holocaust denial convictions of Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie. Polls indicate the RN could lead in the first round of the 2027 election, with Le Pen or Bardella as frontrunners. The party’s diplomatic engagements reflect its bid to present itself as a credible governing force, despite its controversial history.
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