The Intelligence from The Economist Heir Jordan: the rising star of France’s populist right
22 snips
Nov 7, 2025 
Sophie, the Paris bureau chief, provides insight into Jordan Bardella, the young leader of France’s National Rally, who is gaining momentum with a platform focused on anti-immigration and pro-business policies. She discusses his France-first stance, which may create tensions within the EU. John-Joe Devlin examines innovative conservation efforts in the Congo, where community grants are incentivizing forest protection while battling issues like corruption. Both guests reveal how these pivotal political and environmental movements are shaping their respective regions.
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Populist Right With A Pro-Growth Face
- Jordan Bardella combines populist anti-immigration policies with a pro-growth, pro-tech, pro-business pitch.
- He blends tax cuts, deregulatory moves for farmers, and a focus on AI to appeal beyond traditional far-right voters.
Policy Choices Create EU Collision Course
- Bardella's policies imply repeated clashes with EU institutions and Germany over budget, ECB support and electricity pricing.
- His 'France first' stance would require unpicking core EU principles and risks confrontation with key partners.
Caution On Russia And Ukraine Support
- The National Rally retains a strategic sympathy toward Russia and scepticism of the transatlantic alliance despite public distancing.
- Bardella accepts NATO missions but opposes long-range missiles, boots on the ground for Ukraine, and EU membership for Ukraine.
