Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally (RN), has pulled out of his scheduled appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) following a controversial moment involving former Trump adviser Steve Bannon.
Bardella was set to speak at the event in Washington on Friday. However, he canceled his participation after Bannon made a gesture that many interpreted as a Nazi salute. The incident has sparked criticism and deepened political divisions within nationalist movements around the world.
Bannon’s Gesture Sparks Backlash
During his speech at CPAC, Bannon ended his remarks with the words “fight, fight, fight” while raising his right arm. Many in the audience saw the action as a Nazi salute, leading to an immediate wave of criticism. The gesture quickly spread across social media, fueling outrage from political leaders and commentators.
Jordan Bardella, upon hearing about the incident, issued a statement clarifying that he was not present during Bannon’s speech. He stated that he decided to withdraw from the conference immediately after being informed about the gesture.
His planned speech at CPAC was supposed to focus on strengthening ties between France and the United States and discussing the rise of nationalist parties in Europe. However, after the controversy, Bardella chose to distance himself from the event.
Le Pen Remains Supportive of Trump While Avoiding Controversial Alliances
Marine Le Pen, leader of RN’s parliamentary group, has remained supportive of former U.S. President Donald Trump despite growing tensions in far-right political circles. Earlier this month, she spoke at the “Make Europe Great Again” event, which was organized by Spain’s far-right Vox party.
Le Pen described Trump’s possible return to the White House as a “global tipping point” and suggested that only nationalist parties in Europe could work effectively with his administration.
However, RN has avoided aligning with Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party that has faced widespread criticism for extremist rhetoric. Le Pen’s cautious approach contrasts with recent public endorsements of AfD by figures like Elon Musk, who also made a similar salute during a Trump event.
CPAC’s Shift Towards Trump’s MAGA Movement
CPAC has traditionally been a key forum for the U.S. conservative movement, bringing together Republican politicians and activists since the 1970s. Over the years, the conference has changed significantly, shifting its focus toward Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) faction.
While it once provided a platform for a broad range of conservative voices, CPAC now features some of the most controversial figures in right-wing politics. Many observers believe this transformation has contributed to growing divisions within global nationalist movements.
The controversy surrounding Bannon’s speech, along with Bardella’s withdrawal, highlights these divisions. It also raises concerns about how European nationalist leaders navigate their relationships with Trump-aligned figures in the U.S.
Broader Political Reactions
The backlash from Bannon’s gesture has extended beyond CPAC. Critics argue that such actions damage the credibility of nationalist movements by associating them with extremist imagery. Political analysts suggest that European right-wing leaders, like Bardella and Le Pen, are trying to maintain legitimacy while avoiding associations with radical elements.
Meanwhile, left-wing parties in France and other European countries have condemned Bannon’s gesture, calling it a sign of growing extremism in right-wing politics. Some political figures have urged RN to further distance itself from CPAC and similar events.
Implications for Global Nationalist Politics
The incident at CPAC has reignited debates about the future of nationalist politics on both sides of the Atlantic. Bardella’s decision to withdraw shows that European nationalist leaders are carefully managing their ties with U.S. conservatives.
With elections approaching in both Europe and the U.S., the way far-right leaders respond to such controversies could influence their political standing. While some seek to maintain a close relationship with Trump’s allies, others, like Bardella, may choose to create distance when controversies arise.
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