Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN), withdrew from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington after a controversial incident involving Steve Bannon. The former Trump adviser made a gesture during his speech that many interpreted as a Nazi salute, causing immediate backlash. Bardella, who had been scheduled to speak at the event, canceled his appearance, citing the controversy surrounding Bannon’s actions.

Bannon’s Speech Sparks Outrage

Steve Bannon, a prominent figure in the far-right movement and former adviser to former President Donald Trump, concluded his speech at CPAC by shouting “fight, fight, fight” while raising his right arm. The gesture, which many people compared to a Nazi salute, quickly drew widespread condemnation.

While some supporters defended Bannon, claiming the gesture was merely a symbol of defiance, the resemblance to the Nazi salute was hard to ignore. The Nazi salute, associated with Adolf Hitler and the atrocities committed during World War II, has long been a symbol of hate and extremism. Given Bannon’s far-right affiliations, the gesture sparked outrage from various quarters, with critics accusing him of promoting neo-Nazi ideologies.

Bardella’s Response and Withdrawal

Bardella, who was scheduled to address the conference on Friday, was not present in the room when Bannon made the controversial gesture. However, after learning of the incident, he quickly issued a statement condemning the action and explaining his decision to withdraw from CPAC.

In his statement, Bardella made it clear that he was “not in the room” at the time of the speech but chose to cancel his appearance “immediately” after being informed about the situation. His speech was initially planned to address the rise of nationalist movements in Europe and the strengthening of transatlantic relations.

Bardella’s withdrawal has raised questions about the future direction of the National Rally, a party that has worked hard to distance itself from extreme elements while still positioning itself as a nationalist force within French and European politics. Bardella’s decision may signal a desire to avoid associations with controversial figures like Bannon, especially as nationalist movements continue to gain momentum across Europe and beyond.

Le Pen Strengthens Ties with Trump, Avoids AfD Association

Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally’s parliamentary group and Bardella’s political mentor, has become a strong supporter of Trump’s policies. Le Pen recently spoke at the “Make Europe Great Again” event in Spain, hosted by the far-right party Vox. In her speech, she described Trump’s election as a “global turning point” and argued that nationalist parties across the world were best positioned to engage with the new US administration.

Le Pen’s comments highlighted the increasing alignment between Europe’s far-right movements and Trump’s “America First” policies. While Le Pen has forged closer ties with Trump, she has also been careful to avoid associating her party with Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Despite their shared nationalist and anti-immigrant views, the National Rally has refused to join forces with the AfD in the European Parliament, signaling potential tensions between the two parties.

This political balancing act illustrates the complexities of modern far-right alliances. While nationalist movements across Europe share common ground on issues such as immigration, sovereignty, and Euroscepticism, they are also divided by differences in strategy and ideology.

CPAC’s Shift from Traditional Conservatism to MAGA Hub

CPAC, once a broad conservative platform, has increasingly become a stronghold for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement. The annual conference, which began in the 1970s as a gathering for traditional Republicans, has evolved into a venue for far-right and populist figures who align with Trump’s brand of nationalism.

Over the years, CPAC has seen a shift away from its traditional conservative roots, with the focus increasingly on Trump and his allies. The inclusion of far-right figures like Bannon, as well as the growing prominence of nationalist and anti-establishment voices, has turned the conference into a rallying point for MAGA supporters.

The controversy surrounding Bannon’s speech and Bardella’s withdrawal highlight the deepening divisions within the nationalist and conservative movements. While many CPAC attendees continue to support Trump and his policies, the growing presence of far-right figures has raised concerns about the direction of the conference and the broader conservative movement in the United States.

Bannon’s controversial gesture at CPAC also underscores the challenges faced by nationalist parties in Europe, including the National Rally. While Bardella and other RN leaders have worked to position their party as a mainstream force, they must navigate the complex terrain of far-right politics and the shifting alliances that shape their movement.

The Broader Implications for Nationalist Movements

The incident at CPAC and Bardella’s withdrawal have broader implications for nationalist movements in Europe and the United States. As far-right and populist parties continue to gain traction, they must carefully manage their associations with extremist figures and ideologies. For Bardella, the decision to distance himself from Bannon and his controversial gesture may be an attempt to safeguard the National Rally’s image and prevent further damage to its political credibility.

For Le Pen and other leaders of Europe’s nationalist parties, the growing influence of Trump and his MAGA movement presents both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, aligning with Trump’s “America First” policies could strengthen their political position by tapping into the global rise of nationalism. On the other hand, associations with controversial figures like Bannon could alienate moderates and push their parties further into the fringes of European politics.

As the National Rally and other nationalist movements continue to navigate this complex political landscape, the incident at CPAC serves as a reminder of the delicate balance they must strike in order to maintain political relevance while avoiding the taint of extremism.

For more updates on the political developments within Europe’s far-right movements, visit Wallstreet Storys.