‘I do not see France as a country that must be closed. But I believe we must control immigration.’

Nick Robinson speaks to National Rally leader Jordan Bardella about his vision for France. The 30-year-old is currently leading the polls to become the country’s next President in 2027.

He’s on a media tour to woo businesses, and to persuade the world his party is now mainstream, despite its history with far right politics. It used to be the National Front - founded by Jean-Marie Le Pen, a convicted racist and Holocaust denier. Le Pen’s daughter Marine re-branded the party and led it for many years, but is currently barred from public office after a conviction for embezzling EU funds, a verdict she plans to appeal.

In her absence, her protégé Jordan Bardella finds himself in charge. He maintains the party has changed since its formative years.

In this interview you’ll hear why Mr Bardella rejects challenges on racism. He also says if he becomes president he’ll call for a referendum on immigration "to take back control of our borders."

Thank you to the Political Thinking with Nick Robinson team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Nick Robinson Producers: Lucy Sheppard, Clare Williamson, Daniel Kraemer and Leela Padmanabhan Editor: Nick Holland

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(Image: Jordan Bardella Credit: Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images)

Jordan Bardella, National Rally leader: France must control immigration

The Interview

Jordan Bardella, National Rally leader: France must control immigration