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Jordan Bardella, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN) party, has withdrawn from speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington after a controversial moment during Steve Bannon’s speech. The incident has sparked a global debate, especially after Bannon’s gesture, which some observers likened to a Nazi salute. Bardella, who had been scheduled to speak at the event, made the decision to cancel his appearance in response to the criticism surrounding the moment.

Bannon’s Speech and the Gesture That Sparked Backlash

The controversy unfolded during Steve Bannon’s speech at CPAC, a gathering known for drawing conservative figures from across the globe. Toward the end of his address, Bannon raised his right arm and delivered the phrase “fight, fight, fight.” While his words were aimed at encouraging his audience, the gesture triggered immediate backlash. Many viewers on social media and beyond interpreted Bannon’s raised arm as a Nazi salute, sparking outrage from various political circles.

The gesture, combined with Bannon’s controversial political background, fueled intense criticism, especially among those who have long been wary of the far-right’s associations with extremist ideologies. Bannon, a former strategist for President Donald Trump, has become a prominent figure in the nationalist movement in both the U.S. and Europe. His remarks and actions at CPAC underscored the growing influence of nationalist movements that have been challenging the political establishment worldwide.

Bardella, who had not been present in the room during Bannon’s speech, was quick to respond. Upon hearing about the incident, he canceled his scheduled appearance at CPAC “immediately,” stating that he could not support any act that might be perceived as promoting extremist ideologies. Bardella’s planned speech was intended to focus on strengthening U.S.-France relations and discussing the rise of nationalist parties across Europe, but the controversy surrounding Bannon’s actions overshadowed the event.

Bardella’s Decision and Reactions from the Far-Right

Bardella’s swift decision to withdraw from CPAC highlights the delicate balance far-right parties must maintain when navigating their relationships with controversial figures. While Bardella’s National Rally party has often allied itself with other nationalist movements, the incident involving Bannon raised questions about the degree of association that such parties are willing to tolerate.

Bardella’s stance on the issue has been clear: He does not support any political gesture that can be seen as a nod to extremism. This decision marks a significant moment in the relationship between the European far-right and its American counterparts, who have often shared ideological ties but sometimes diverge over issues of symbolism and associations with radical elements.

Le Pen’s Continued Support for Trump, but Distance from AfD

Marine Le Pen, RN’s parliamentary leader, has not been as quick to distance herself from controversial figures. While Bardella chose to step away, Le Pen has continued to maintain a strong relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump. She recently participated in Spain’s far-right “Make Europe Great Again” conference, organized by the Vox party, another far-right political group in Europe.

Le Pen’s alignment with Trump is well-documented. She has argued that Trump’s victory in the 2016 U.S. presidential election marked a “global shift” in politics, one that saw the rise of nationalist parties as key players in international dialogue. In her view, only nationalist parties in Europe could effectively communicate with the Trump administration, which she sees as sympathetic to the right-wing causes.

Her stance on Trump remains firm, but Le Pen has been more cautious when it comes to aligning with some of Europe’s other far-right groups. Notably, she has rejected connections with the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party in Germany known for its extreme right-wing positions. This has caused tension within the broader European far-right coalition, as some factions, including those led by Trump allies, have expressed support for the AfD. Le Pen, however, maintains that the RN will not associate with the party in the European Parliament, a position that further underscores the complexities of far-right alliances in Europe.

CPAC: A Platform for Nationalist Movements

The CPAC conference has long been a gathering of conservative voices in the U.S. Since its inception in the 1970s, it was designed as a platform for Republican conservatives to unite and discuss policy issues. However, in recent years, CPAC has increasingly become a stage for the far-right nationalist movements, many of which have found common cause with the populist policies championed by Donald Trump and other like-minded leaders around the world.

Originally focused on traditional conservative values, CPAC’s transition to a forum for far-right figures has sparked both support and controversy. Speakers at CPAC now include not only American conservatives but also European figures like Bardella and other leaders of nationalist parties. This shift reflects the growing influence of populist politics on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the rising prominence of right-wing parties in Europe.

Bannon, who has become a key figure in the global nationalist movement, is emblematic of CPAC’s transformation. His speech at this year’s event, along with the subsequent controversy surrounding his gesture, underscores the tensions within the broader far-right movement. While many nationalists share similar views on issues like immigration, sovereignty, and globalism, there remain significant divides over the use of symbolism and the embrace of extreme actions.

Nationalist Politics and Symbolism in the Spotlight

The controversy surrounding Bannon’s gesture raises important questions about how far-right movements should present themselves in the public eye. Symbols and gestures often carry deep historical meanings, and for many, a raised arm in a political context can evoke troubling associations. As nationalist movements continue to grow in prominence, leaders like Bardella and Le Pen must carefully navigate these issues, balancing their political goals with the potential fallout from associations with extremist ideologies.

For now, Bardella’s withdrawal from CPAC reflects a conscious effort to maintain the National Rally’s distance from controversy. However, the ongoing shifts in European and American politics suggest that these tensions will continue to shape the future of nationalist movements. As the far-right faces increasing scrutiny, the need for careful political maneuvering has never been more apparent.

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