Political Thinking with Nick Robinson Jordan Bardella: The 30-year-old populist hoping to be France's next president
Dec 10, 2025
Jordan Bardella, the 30-year-old leader of France's National Rally party and a potential presidential candidate, discusses his rise in politics and the transformation of his party. He addresses immigration and its cultural impact, emphasizing stricter controls while rejecting accusations of racism. Bardella connects with Donald Trump's patriotic movement and critiques European leaders. He reveals his personal journey shaped by immigrant roots and advocates for prioritizing French nationals in social policies. Bardella also discusses collaborations with Nigel Farage and positions on Russia and Ukraine.
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Nationalist Wave And France's Project
- Jordan Bardella links a rising nationalist wave across Western democracies to Trump's appeal to national pride and 'America First'.
- He frames his project as defending France's independence, freedom and civilisation against external vassalisation.
Immigration As Civilisational Threat
- Bardella accepts the US paper's warning about 'civilizational erasure' and blames 30 years of lax immigration policy for societal disruption.
- He says France should stop being a country of mass immigration while still welcoming productive workers.
Visit To Yad Vashem
- Bardella describes visiting Yad Vashem in Jerusalem as part of his duty of remembrance against anti‑Semitism.
- He uses the visit to assert his personal commitment to fighting anti‑Semitism and distance from Jean‑Marie Le Pen's remarks.