France's Le Pen defiant after top ally hit by antisemitism claims

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Published: 2026-09-29T14:30:34.885Z • Permanent link

French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has been defiant in the face of mounting allegations of antisemitism surrounding her top ally, Jordan Bardella. The controversy has sparked a heated debate within the French far-right party, with some calling for Bardella's resignation and others defending him. Bardella, who is currently serving as the party's national secretary, has been accused of making antisemitic comments on social media and in private meetings.

Le Pen has thus far refused to take any action against Bardella, despite growing pressure from within her own party. Instead, she has chosen to focus on her presidential campaign, using the controversy to rally her supporters and paint her opponents as weak on national security. The controversy has also sparked a wider debate about antisemitism within the far-right movement, with some arguing that Le Pen's refusal to take action against Bardella is a sign of her own tolerance for the ideology.

Bardella, who has been a key figure in Le Pen's campaign, has denied all allegations of antisemitism and has accused his critics of being part of a conspiracy to undermine the far-right movement. Le Pen has also come to Bardella's defense, claiming that he is a "good person" and that the allegations against him are part of a "witch hunt".

Dissatisfaction with Le Pen's response to the allegations has been growing within the French far-right party, with some members calling for Bardella to be removed from his position as national secretary. The controversy has also sparked a wider debate about the far-right's stance on antisemitism, with some arguing that the party's refusal to take action against Bardella is a sign of its own intolerance for diversity.

Hopes that Le Pen would use the controversy to take a stronger stance against antisemitism have been dashed, and many are now questioning whether she is truly committed to fighting the ideology. The controversy has also sparked a wider debate about the role of antisemitism in French politics, with some arguing that it is a symptom of a broader problem of intolerance and racism.

Growing concerns about the far-right's stance on antisemitism have been raised by the European Union, which has condemned the party's handling of the allegations. The EU has also expressed concerns about the far-right's overall stance on diversity and inclusion, which has been criticized for being too narrow and exclusionary.