The axis of populism in Europe? Right-wing leaders want to “restore borders” together

The leader of the French National Rally, Jordan Bardella, announced the conclusion of a “patriotic political alliance” with the right-wing populist British Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, the Telegraph daily reported. Politicians met for the first time this week in London.

“Nigel Farage and I will restore the borders of Europe together,” Bardella announced in an interview with the British daily, explaining that he hopes to jointly introduce radical changes in migration policy, both in the policies of France and Great Britain.

Bardell criticized the “one-for-one” migration exchange system introduced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, calling it a “band-aid on a wound.”

He announced that he was in favor of a “complete reconstruction” of migration policy, adding that if he won power in the Elysée Palace, he would hold a referendum on this issue. “The right of asylum will be abolished. Asylum applications will be processed outside the country, namely in the embassies and consulates of the countries of departure, while maintaining national priority,” said the French politician.

A Frenchman in the interview did not rule out Britain moving closer to the European Union. “I believe that the Europe I am defending is a Europe of cooperation between free and sovereign nations. Tomorrow the United Kingdom could find its place in a partnership with the European Union, which is not a federal union but a cooperation of free and sovereign states – assuming that all the reasons that led Britain to leave the European Union would have to be corrected within the Union itself,” he explained.

As noted by the Telegraph, both Bardella and Farage – according to polls – currently enjoy strong support among voters and would have a chance to rule in their countries. Both also hope to win the next elections.

The French will elect a new president in 18 months, and in over three and a half years there will be general elections in Great Britain.

From London Marta Zabłocka (PAP)

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