French far-right leader Jordan Bardella began a two-day visit to Poland on Thursday. The purpose of his trip is to meet right-wing and nationalist political leaders ahead of next year’s presidential election in France.

His journey started in Warsaw and will include a visit to the Polish-Belarusian border. It is Bardella’s latest attempt to strengthen alliances with like-minded politicians across Europe, following trips to Portugal, Italy and Belgium.

Bardella and Nawrocki

In Warsaw, Bardella held a closed-door meeting with President Karol Nawrocki – backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party – and Krzysztof Bosak, one of the leaders of the right-wing Confederation.

“European nations must take their destiny into their own hands, and in particular their autonomy, independence and freedom, and France has a role to play and new leadership to offer on the European stage,” Bardella told reporters.

“It is an honour to meet the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki. A long-standing friendship unites France and Poland, which share many common challenges on the European stage. Today Poland is a key country for building the new European architecture we envisage, based on the protection of borders and economic growth,” Jordan Bardella wrote on X.

After the meeting, the French politician said there had been intensive discussions on the future of Europe, continental security and the essential cooperation between the two countries.

“Thanks to economic development and the protection of national borders in terms of defence, Poland is today one of the most dynamic countries in Europe,” he added on X.

Before his visit to NATO’s eastern frontier, he added that “France and Poland will deepen their cooperation on military matters”, especially “at a time of American withdrawal” from Europe.

Elections in Europe in 2027

The political visit by the National Rally leader ahead of France’s presidential election comes as Poland prepares for its own parliamentary elections, due to be held in the autumn of next year.

Known for his hardline anti-immigration views, Bardella will also visit Frontex’s Warsaw headquarters and the electronic barrier on Poland’s border with Belarus, installed to prevent the illegal entry of migrants.

“This is a gesture of solidarity towards a friendly country, an important European power with which France intends to work if we win the elections in a few months’ time,” Bardella stressed.