Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally (RN), canceled his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) after Steve Bannon made a controversial gesture. The gesture, widely seen as a Nazi salute, occurred during Bannon’s speech at the Washington event. This caused an international uproar, prompting Bardella’s quick withdrawal.
Controversial Gesture Sparks Outrage
Steve Bannon’s speech on Friday at CPAC ended with him raising his right arm while chanting, “fight, fight, fight.” The gesture quickly gained attention and was widely interpreted as a Nazi salute. It sparked outrage, especially given the historical context.
Bardella, who was not at the event when the gesture occurred, decided to cancel his speech immediately after hearing about it. He was scheduled to talk about transatlantic relations and the rise of nationalist movements in Europe. However, the incident made it impossible for him to proceed with his planned appearance.
Bardella’s Swift Response
Jordan Bardella, as the leader of the National Rally, is an influential figure in French politics. His party has long supported stronger national borders and criticized the European Union. Bardella was expected to discuss these issues at CPAC, but the controversy surrounding Bannon’s gesture forced him to pull out.
This decision also reflects the pressure that European leaders face when associating with controversial figures. Bardella’s move shows his commitment to distancing himself from any associations with far-right extremism. It also highlights the ongoing tension within nationalist circles about how to balance their views without aligning too closely with extreme elements.
Marine Le Pen and Nationalist Politics
Marine Le Pen, head of RN’s parliamentary group, has publicly supported Donald Trump in the past. She recently spoke at a “Make Europe Great Again” event hosted by Spain’s Vox party, praising Trump’s political vision. In her remarks, she described Trump’s victory as a “global tipping point” for conservative movements around the world.
Despite her support for Trump, the National Rally is careful not to form alliances with far-right parties in Europe. For example, even though Trump has backed Germany’s far-right AfD, RN has not allied itself with the party in the European Parliament. This reflects the party’s desire to maintain its image as a moderate alternative in European politics.
CPAC’s Shift Toward Far-Right Politics
CPAC has long been a key event for conservative politics in the U.S. However, it has shifted more towards Trumpism in recent years. The conference, once centered on mainstream Republican ideas, now regularly features far-right figures. The rise of the MAGA movement has reshaped CPAC, bringing in leaders from nationalist and populist movements.
Bannon’s speech and Bardella’s cancellation show how CPAC is increasingly tied to far-right ideologies. The conference now reflects a broader shift in the global conservative movement. It is no longer just a platform for traditional conservative politics but also a stage for more extreme voices.
The Growing Divide in Nationalist Movements
Bardella’s withdrawal highlights the divide within nationalist movements. On one hand, leaders like Bardella and Le Pen aim to represent moderate nationalism, focusing on issues like national identity and EU reform. On the other hand, figures like Bannon and Trump push the movement toward more extreme positions.
This divide is not just a French issue. Nationalist movements across Europe are grappling with similar challenges. In countries like Germany and Italy, far-right rhetoric is on the rise, making it harder for more moderate nationalists to maintain their position.
Bardella’s decision to cancel his speech at CPAC is a sign of the tensions within nationalist movements. As CPAC becomes more associated with Trump’s far-right agenda, European leaders must carefully navigate their positions. Bardella’s swift action shows the growing challenges for politicians trying to avoid the extreme elements of the movement. Nationalist parties worldwide will need to find a way to maintain their support while steering clear of extremism.
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