Le Pen and Orbán Criticize EU at European Far-Right Rally in France
The event in Mormant-sur-Vernisson unites far-right leaders as they denounce EU policies amidst an anti-immigration rhetoric.
Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN), and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered sharp criticisms of the European Union at a rally on June 9, 2025, in Mormant-sur-Vernisson, south of Paris.
The event commemorated the RN’s strong performance in the 2024 European elections, where it achieved its highest-ever vote share.
Orbán, referring to himself as the 'black sheep of the EU,' asserted that European migration policies equate to 'an organized exchange of populations' intended to replace the continent’s cultural foundations.
He defended Hungary's controversial migration policies, stating that the nation would not permit migrants to destroy its cities and prey upon its citizens, even if such stances resulted in sanctions from Brussels.
In her remarks, Le Pen criticized the EU as a 'graveyard of politically unfulfilled promises,' labeling it as 'woke and ultra-liberal.' She proclaimed a desire to reform the EU from within rather than exit it, aiming to bolster her party's electability while moving away from the legacy of her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen.
The RN leader emphasized her goal of regaining power in France and returning authority to the people.
The rally drew several other far-right politicians, including Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, Spain's Vox party leader Santiago Abascal, and the former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis.
They are part of the 'Patriots for Europe' faction in the European Parliament, which counts around 85 members among the 720 total.
Salvini voiced concerns about immigration, calling it a 'threat' to European children and urging fellow European patriots to unite in reclaiming control over Europe’s future.
Nearby, approximately 4,000 counter-protesters from leftist parties and trade unions rallied in Montargis expressing opposition to the far-right gathering.
Manon Aubry, a left-wing Member of the European Parliament, condemned the event, alleging it showcased the 'worst of the racist and xenophobic European far right.'
As the 2027 French presidential elections approach, the RN's prospects for power are bolstered by Macron's inability to seek re-election.
However, uncertainty looms over Le Pen’s eligibility to run due to a legal conviction, shifting attention to her protégé and current RN leader, Jordan Bardella, who is poised as a potential candidate.
Bardella addressed the rally, distancing his faction from the EU leadership under Ursula von der Leyen and President Macron, signaling a commitment to a renewed vision of Europe.
He is expected to project a more moderate public persona as he prepares for the electoral landscape.
Orbán, meanwhile, encouraged the RN to emerge victorious in future elections, stating that their success is essential for their agendas at the EU level.
The rally serves as a significant convergence for the far-right in Europe, emphasizing a shared anti-immigration stance while underscoring the varied ideological currents among its leaders.
The event commemorated the RN’s strong performance in the 2024 European elections, where it achieved its highest-ever vote share.
Orbán, referring to himself as the 'black sheep of the EU,' asserted that European migration policies equate to 'an organized exchange of populations' intended to replace the continent’s cultural foundations.
He defended Hungary's controversial migration policies, stating that the nation would not permit migrants to destroy its cities and prey upon its citizens, even if such stances resulted in sanctions from Brussels.
In her remarks, Le Pen criticized the EU as a 'graveyard of politically unfulfilled promises,' labeling it as 'woke and ultra-liberal.' She proclaimed a desire to reform the EU from within rather than exit it, aiming to bolster her party's electability while moving away from the legacy of her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen.
The RN leader emphasized her goal of regaining power in France and returning authority to the people.
The rally drew several other far-right politicians, including Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, Spain's Vox party leader Santiago Abascal, and the former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis.
They are part of the 'Patriots for Europe' faction in the European Parliament, which counts around 85 members among the 720 total.
Salvini voiced concerns about immigration, calling it a 'threat' to European children and urging fellow European patriots to unite in reclaiming control over Europe’s future.
Nearby, approximately 4,000 counter-protesters from leftist parties and trade unions rallied in Montargis expressing opposition to the far-right gathering.
Manon Aubry, a left-wing Member of the European Parliament, condemned the event, alleging it showcased the 'worst of the racist and xenophobic European far right.'
As the 2027 French presidential elections approach, the RN's prospects for power are bolstered by Macron's inability to seek re-election.
However, uncertainty looms over Le Pen’s eligibility to run due to a legal conviction, shifting attention to her protégé and current RN leader, Jordan Bardella, who is poised as a potential candidate.
Bardella addressed the rally, distancing his faction from the EU leadership under Ursula von der Leyen and President Macron, signaling a commitment to a renewed vision of Europe.
He is expected to project a more moderate public persona as he prepares for the electoral landscape.
Orbán, meanwhile, encouraged the RN to emerge victorious in future elections, stating that their success is essential for their agendas at the EU level.
The rally serves as a significant convergence for the far-right in Europe, emphasizing a shared anti-immigration stance while underscoring the varied ideological currents among its leaders.