Jordan Bardella accused of antisemitism: complaints and denials intensify

The news site Mediapart has published an investigation accusing Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally (RN), of making antisemitic remarks in written conversations between 2013 and 2015. According to the outlet, these writings have been authenticated by one of the co-authors of the investigation, who asserts that they were signed by Bardella.

In response to the allegations, Jordan Bardella described these claims as 'grossly false' and announced his decision to sue Mediapart for defamation. He expressed his indignation at what he calls 'perfectly delusional statements'.

Political reactions are multiplying, with MP Sabrina Sebaihi announcing that she will also seek legal action following these revelations. The president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), Yonathan Arfi, commented that these statements reflect 'hypocrisy' and that the RN continues to be 'the refuge party for identity extremists'.

In another development, Laurent Jacobelli, spokesperson for the RN, rejected the accusations, labeling the statements as obviously manipulated or gross fabrications. Bardella also stated that he expects a 'serialization' of this case, which arises as the presidential election of 2027 approaches.

Mediapart, for its part, has maintained its claims, emphasizing that the messages attributed to Bardella date back to 2013 and exhibit antisemitic tendencies in his writings. The Minister of Europe, Benjamin Haddad, also commented on the situation, noting that this does not come as a surprise since, in his view, 'the far-right remains the far-right'.

This case, which is already sparking vigorous public and political debate, highlights questions regarding Bardella's past as a young activist for the National Front and his evolution within the RN.