Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella condemn Russian hybrid threats and asset seizures in joint statement

Joint statement against Moscow

Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella issued a joint statement on 19 September 2026 condemning Russian hostile actions against France and European interests. The National Rally leaders asserted that foreign intimidation, clandestine operations, and psychological pressure would not influence French state policy. Their declaration responded directly to what they described as an intensification of operations targeting European infrastructure and public opinion. The party leaders also cited an August drone incident at Leipzig airport in Germany that authorities attributed to Russian activity. They emphasized that no pressure campaign would deter France from maintaining its sovereignty.

We will never tolerate that a foreign power, in this case Russia, could hope to dictate, directly or indirectly, the policy of our country through intimidation, threat, destabilization or psychological pressure.

Condemnation of corporate asset seizures

The statement specifically responded to the Russian government placing local assets of European companies under state-supervised administration. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the transfer of operational control over French supermarket chain Auchan and Swiss food producer Nestlé to Russian company L.E.V. Management. The measure also targeted French home improvement retailer Lemana Pro, formerly known as Leroy Merlin, alongside logistics firm FM Logistic. Russian officials described the takeover as a retaliatory step against countries supporting Ukraine. Le Pen and Bardella described the seizure as an act against French and European interests that requires firm condemnation.

No provocation, clandestine operation, or destabilization effort could lead France to facilitate Russia's achievement of its war aims in Ukraine.

Briefing at the Élysée Palace

The party statement followed a security meeting at the Élysée Palace hosted by President Emmanuel Macron on 18 September 2026. Bardella attended the briefing alongside other French party leaders to review intelligence assessments on the war in Ukraine and regional conflicts. Macron subsequently directed the French government to prepare comprehensive protection measures for critical infrastructure against cyberattacks and aerial drone threats. Le Pen did not participate in the Élysée discussions in person. The subsequent joint communique endorsed intelligence findings confirming a deteriorating security environment across Europe.

In recent weeks, the threat to Europeans and to France, in particular the Russian hybrid threat, has intensified.

Party repositioning and Ukraine debate

The statement precedes the French presidential election scheduled for April 2027, where opinion polls place Le Pen in the lead for the first round. Political opponents have regularly referenced her past engagements with Moscow, including a 2017 meeting with Vladimir Putin and a €9.4 million bank loan that RN fully settled in 2023. Within the party, leaders continue to debate the scope of support for Kyiv following comments by RN Vice President Louis Aliot in early September 2026 proposing to halt financial aid. Le Pen has maintained openness to sending military gear while rejecting additional financial disbursements. The National Rally plans to release its comprehensive campaign platform before the close of 2026.