French nukes are for France only, says far-right National Rally

PARIS — The far-right National Rally wants to ensure that French nuclear weapons can only be used for France’s own defense, according to a manifesto released Monday that pledges to “preserve full sovereignty over our nuclear deterrent.”

That’s a direct jab at President Emmanuel Macron, who has said repeatedly in the past few months that France’s nukes could contribute to Europe’s security, calling for a debate on the issue with European partners. 

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been critical of the French head of state’s initiative, and her party is now making the rebuke a cornerstone of its defense manifesto.

Newly re-elected MEP Jordan Bardella presented the National Rally’s program Monday ahead of a snap election that could see him become the country’s next prime minister. Macron dissolved the National Assembly earlier this month after his liberal party was crushed by the National Rally in the European election. French voters head to the polls on June 30 and July 7.

This week’s manifesto is much less controversial than a previous document from the 2022 presidential campaign, pulled out earlier this month, that proposed a closer “alliance” with Russia and exiting NATO. Monday’s document no longer refers to either of these points.

Unsurprisingly, in its new electoral program, the far-right party refuses “transfers of competence” to the EU in terms of defense and foreign policy.

Marine Le Pen has been critical of the French head of state’s initiative. | Francois Lo Presti/Getty Images

Earlier this year, the European Commission presented a European Defense Industrial Strategy alongside a €1.5 billion cash pot for subsidies in the European Defence Industry Program.

The National Rally also wants to ensure a European preference in arms purchases by European countries. That’s a slight change from the party’s previous policies, which pushed for a French preference in public procurement.

Earlier this month, Bardella said he would provide ammunition to Ukraine but not long-range missiles. Sending troops to the war-torn country is “a red line,” he added.