Le Pen vows to 'counterattack' after top ally Bardella sues over antisemitism claims that she calls 'total war' on her campaign

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026 · last updated 30 September 2026.

Marine Le Pen has declared her "total confidence" in Jordan Bardella and vowed the National Rally will "counterattack" after the Mediapart website published claims that her de-facto number two made antisemitic remarks as a young activist in 2013. Bardella, 31, who is tipped to become prime minister if Le Pen wins the Elysee, has filed a libel lawsuit against Mediapart and branded the allegations the start of a "total war" to derail the 2027 presidential campaign. Le Pen warned opponents "will do absolutely anything — including the most disgusting things" to halt her momentum, as polls show her leading every rival in both rounds of next year's election. The RN also notched a fresh breakthrough this weekend by winning enough Senate seats to form a parliamentary group.

Bardella vehemently denies making the alleged comments and says the lawsuit has been filed against Mediapart.