Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party of Britain, announced at a press conference on Thursday that he will meet with Marion Le Pen, president of the National Rally party, in the near future. This comes as Le Pen is recognized as one of the main candidates for the French presidential election in 2027, and Farage hopes to travel to France before the end of October.
Uncertainty in Meeting Plans
Farage told reporters, "I haven't met with Le Pen for several years. But she is going to win the upcoming election." He also emphasized that he will meet with Le Pen "at some times." While the Reform Party of Britain had previously stated that Farage should meet with Le Pen by the end of the year, four officials from the National Rally said that this meeting is not on Le Pen's agenda.
Challenges and Criticisms
Farage has recently faced challenges in the polls. He has encountered a decline in popularity following serious allegations against his party. In September, he announced an immigration agreement with Jordan Bardella, the second-in-command of the National Rally, which also received negative reactions in France.
Le Pen is recognized as one of the main candidates for victory in the first round of the 2027 presidential election. She is currently working to improve her campaign plans and may respond to Farage in the near future.
In this context, Le Pen's advisors have also pointed out in their internal discussions that the "costs and benefits" of meeting with Farage must be carefully considered. This indicates the sensitivity of internal relations within the National Rally as well as the importance of electoral strategies ahead of the upcoming elections.
