Jordan Bardella, leader of the National Rally, denies Mediapart's allegations that private messages he wrote between 2013 and 2015 contained anti‑Semitic remarks, calling them "crude forgeries" and saying he will sue. Mediapart says it independently authenticated the exchanges, which allegedly include stereotypes about Jewish control of finance. The story emerges seven months before France's presidential election and could complicate the party's effort to shed its anti‑Semitic past.
Bardella Denies Alleged Anti‑Semitic Messages As French Election Nears
Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen arrive at Place de la Concorde ahead of Pope Leo XIV's Mass in Paris. (is associated with: «French far-right leader Bardella denies making anti-Semitic comments») Pierre Teyssot / Agf/AGF via ZUMA Press/dpa
Jordan Bardella, 31, leader of France's National Rally, has strongly denied allegations published by investigative outlet Mediapart that private messages he wrote between 2013 and 2015 contained anti‑Semitic remarks.
Mediapart reported that it had independently authenticated a series of written exchanges from the early years of Bardella's political activity that allegedly contain stereotypes and conspiracy theories about Jewish influence, including a line attributed to Bardella reading: "All banks are owned by Jews." The outlet said the exchanges date from 2013–2015.
Bardella dismissed the material as "crude forgeries" and said on X that he "categorically deny[s] the accusations levelled against me by Mediapart, which attributes to me delusional, anti‑Semitic remarks allegedly made when I was a minor," adding that his "honour" had been attacked. He said he had instructed his lawyer to pursue legal action against the news site.
Political Context
The revelations come approximately seven months ahead of France's two‑round presidential election, scheduled for April and May. Marine Le Pen, the National Rally's presidential candidate, currently leads many first‑round opinion polls. Bardella, widely seen as Le Pen's political protégé, has expressed ambitions to become prime minister; if the party secures parliamentary support after the presidential vote, Le Pen could seek to appoint him.
Historical Background
Le Pen has spent years trying to distance the National Rally from the anti‑Semitic reputation attached to its predecessor, the National Front, founded by her father Jean‑Marie Le Pen, who was convicted multiple times for comments that minimized Nazi crimes. In recent years the party has repeatedly condemned anti‑Semitism and emphasized its stated commitment to protecting Jewish communities in France.
Key Quote (attributed to Bardella): "All banks are owned by Jews."
At this stage the allegations remain contested: Mediapart asserts it authenticated the messages, while Bardella rejects their authenticity and has promised legal recourse. The dispute is likely to produce further legal and political developments in the coming weeks as France approaches the presidential campaign.
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