French far-right leader Jordan Bardella abruptly withdrew from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday, citing concerns over a gesture made by former Trump advisor Steve Bannon that he described as 'alluding to Nazi ideology'.
Jordan Bardella – president of France’s National Rally (RN) – had been scheduled to speak at the CPAC meeting in Maryland on the relationship between the United States and France, as well as the rise of nationalist movements in Europe.
However, after learning of Bannon’s controversial salute gesture, he announced his immediate cancellation.
“Yesterday, while I was not in the room, one of the speakers out of provocation allowed himself a gesture alluding to Nazi ideology. I therefore took the immediate decision to cancel my speech,” Bardella said in a statement.
An adviser confirmed to AFP that Bardella was referring to Bannon, a former adviser to US President Donald Trump.
Bardella’s decision is seen as an effort to maintain the RN’s attempt at mainstream legitimacy, as Marine Le Pen – his predecessor and political ally – has worked to distance the party from its historically controversial associations.
Bardella, 27, suceeds Le Pen as head of France's National Rally party
Bannon’s Reaction
Bannon reportedly reacted with fury, calling Bardella “a little boy, not a man” in an interview with French magazine Le Point.
He insisted his gesture – briefly extending his arm with a stiff palm-down motion – was a simple wave that he frequently uses at conferences.
“If he cancelled over what the mainstream media said about the speech, he didn’t listen to it. If that’s true, he’s unworthy to lead France,” Bannon stated.
He further mocked Bardella, adding, “If he’s that worried about it and wets himself like a little child, then he’s unworthy and will never lead France”.
Fears of far-right takeover spur widespread protests across France
Context and Controversy
The incident follows a similar controversy last month when billionaire Elon Musk made a gesture that drew comparisons to a Nazi salute.
Musk dismissed the criticism on his platform, X, saying, “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired”.
Bannon – a longtime supporter of nationalist movements including the RN – has a history of provocative rhetoric.
He spent nearly four months in federal prison last year for contempt of Congress in connection with the 2021 US Capitol riots.
The US Anti-Defamation League did not directly address Bannon’s gesture but criticised his history, stating: “Bannon has a long and disturbing history of stoking antisemitism and hate, threatening violence, and empowering extremists. We are not surprised, but are concerned about the normalisation of this behavior".
