French far-right leader Bardella reassures voters and EU partners on economic and foreign policies

In a bid to reassure French voters and international stakeholders, far-right leader Jordan Bardella outlined his party's economic policies and commitment to maintaining France's global influence if they win the upcoming parliamentary election. Bardella, dressed sharply and exuding confidence, emphasized the need to address France's escalating debt and deficits, proposing tax cuts on essential goods and incentives for companies to boost employee wages. He also pledged to reverse recent pension reforms and fund these initiatives by reducing immigration-related expenses and closing tax loopholes. Addressing concerns about the financial feasibility of his party's promises, Bardella announced plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of France's finances as one of his initial actions if appointed prime minister. He expressed opposition to military involvement in Ukraine and arms deliveries to Russia, highlighting his focus on strengthening France's position within Europe and advocating for exceptions to EU regulations. Bardella's campaign for the European Parliament emphasized national identity over EU affiliation, with a commitment to engage with European leaders, including the German chancellor. In addition to economic and foreign policy stances, Bardella proposed social reforms such as banning cellphones for students and enforcing formal language etiquette in schools. These measures reflect his broader vision for governance, which includes a mix of nationalist sentiment, economic pragmatism, and diplomatic engagement. As the political landscape in France evolves ahead of the elections, Bardella's platform seeks to appeal to a diverse range of voters while positioning his party as a viable alternative to the current administration's policies.