<p>An exclusive interview on immigration, racism, Russia, Farage and Trump.</p><p>Jordan Bardella is the leader of National Rally in France, and currently leading the polls to become president in 2027 if his mentor, Marine Le Pen fails to overturn a conviction that bars her from running for office. </p><p>In the meantime, he is on a mission to persuade people that his party has changed since its history as the National Front, founded in the 1970s by Jean-Marie Le Pen, a convicted racist and Holocaust-denier. </p><p>Can he succeed?</p><p>In this interview, Bardella responds to Donald Trump's criticism of Europe, rejects challenges on racism and explains why he is in London to meet with Nigel Farage</p><p>Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Leela Padmanabhan Research: Lisa Louis Translation: Pierre-Antoine Denis Additional translation: Merlyn Thomas, Erwan Rivault Sound editing: Craig Kingham Editor: Giles Edwards</p>

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

BBC Radio 4

Jordan Bardella: The 30-year-old populist hoping to be France's next president

DEC 10, 202547 MIN
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

Jordan Bardella: The 30-year-old populist hoping to be France's next president

DEC 10, 202547 MIN

Description

<p>An exclusive interview on immigration, racism, Russia, Farage and Trump.</p><p>Jordan Bardella is the leader of National Rally in France, and currently leading the polls to become president in 2027 if his mentor, Marine Le Pen fails to overturn a conviction that bars her from running for office. </p><p>In the meantime, he is on a mission to persuade people that his party has changed since its history as the National Front, founded in the 1970s by Jean-Marie Le Pen, a convicted racist and Holocaust-denier. </p><p>Can he succeed?</p><p>In this interview, Bardella responds to Donald Trump's criticism of Europe, rejects challenges on racism and explains why he is in London to meet with Nigel Farage</p><p>Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Leela Padmanabhan Research: Lisa Louis Translation: Pierre-Antoine Denis Additional translation: Merlyn Thomas, Erwan Rivault Sound editing: Craig Kingham Editor: Giles Edwards</p>