Macron warns European populists are 'hidden Brexiteers'

Macron warns European populists are ‘hidden Brexiteers’

Posted by Admin May 3, 2024 World

Emmanuel Macron has taken a swipe at European nationalists in a desperate attempt to get his EU Election campaign back on track.

Macron, who is poised to suffer losses in June, is being outflanked by French populists.

National Rally, which is led in Brussels by Le Pen’s protege Jordan Bardella, registered 30 per cent support, up seven-points compared to the last election.

The French President was keen to take French populists on head on, claiming Marine Le Pen and her allies remain “hidden Brexiteers”.

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe

GETTY

He said: “I say to Europeans: Wake up. Wake up! They are hidden Brexiteers.

“All European nationalists are hidden Brexiteers. It’s all the same lies.”

Macron added: “Make no mistake. If you entrust the keys to people who think like they do, there is no reason why Europe should become a great power.

“In a way it’s as if we were saying it’s not a problem if we entrust the bank to robbers.

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Jordan Bardella (left) and Marine Le Pen (right)GETTY

“When they are around the table, they take Europe hostage.”

Macron specifically targeted National Rally by highlighting how it previously called for France to leave the European Union and Eurozone.

Despite winning his second term as French President just two years ago, Macron’s centrist coalition has seen its support tumble from 22 per cent to just 18 per cent.

The French President is facing a double-threat, with socialist Raphael Glucksmann increasing his support from just six per cent to 12 per cent.

Emmanual Macron is facing pressure from all sides in FrancePA

Macron’s claim about European Eurosceptics being “hidden Brexiteers” comes as many populists tone down their rhetoric around membership of the Brussels bloc.

Jordan Bardella has reaffirmed National Rally’s commitment to the EU by insisting: “You don’t walk away from the game when you’re winning.”

However, National Rally could still wreak havoc for Brussels as it opposes centralised green policies and wants to restrict freedom of movement to only EU passport holders.

Polls will open across Europe between June 6 and June 9.