A new far-right alliance has formed in France's European parliament. French leader Marine Le Pen and Hungarian premier Viktor Orbán have joined forces, creating an organization called Patriots for Europe. This group is now the third largest force within the European Parliament and the most extensive far-right bloc in history.
The alliance was formed following unexpected results from France's recent elections. Marine Le Pen's National Rally came in third place after a strategic voting effort aimed at blocking other extreme right groups. As a result, Le Pen's party is now part of the new group led by Orbán and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The coalition comprises 84 MEPs from 12 EU countries, including leaders such as Jordan Bardella from National Rally, who serves as president of the alliance in the European Parliament. Other prominent members include Italy's Matteo Salvini and Hungary's Fidesz party leader Kinga Gál.
The group aims to reshape EU policymaking, emphasizing the preservation of Europe’s Christian roots, stronger protection for external borders, and ensuring competitive European economies. Despite its size, it may encounter challenges in gaining influential roles within the parliament due to existing political divisions against far-right ideologies.
Meanwhile, Italy's National Rally leader Jean-Paul Garraud has criticized this new alliance as undemocratic and a source of disappointment for his party. In response, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed relief in Warsaw after the French election results.
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