Le Pen denounces Russia for seizing assets of European companies
Marine Le Pen, the president of France’s National Rally party, and Jordan Bardella, her successor in the party leadership, issued a strong condemnation of the Russian government’s recent actions against foreign companies, specifically targeting the temporary administration of French retailer Auchan and Swiss multinational Nestlé’s Russian assets. This statement, released on September 19, characterizes the Kremlin’s move as a “hostile act” that infringes upon the rights and interests of European businesses operating in Russia.
As France approaches its presidential election set for April 2027, Le Pen and Bardella’s pronouncement underscores the growing tensions between European nations and Russia. They articulated their firm stance against any foreign entity, particularly Russia, endeavoring to influence French policy through intimidation or coercion. The politicians emphasized that despite ongoing provocations, France’s support for Ukraine must remain a topic for domestic political discourse.
The escalation comes in light of President Vladimir Putin’s decision to place the operations of Nestlé and Auchan under temporary Russian control, a strategy employed by the Kremlin against companies deemed “unfriendly” since 2023. This regulatory maneuver has seen the Russian government assume management of several foreign companies, including Danone and Carlsberg, amid ongoing geopolitical strife exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended the asset seizures, suggesting that they were a direct response to what Russia perceives as hostile measures by European nations, including sanctions and increased military support for Ukraine. As Nestlé evaluates its options for safeguarding its workforce and business interests, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the operational landscape for foreign enterprises in Russia.
Le Pen and Bardella further linked these asset seizures to what they view as a deteriorating security environment in Europe, citing recent incidents such as an attempted drone attack in Germany, which authorities have attributed to Russian operatives. They called for enhanced protection of strategic infrastructures and defense-related industries, expressing solidarity with European partners facing similar threats of sabotage.
In conclusion, Le Pen and Bardella affirmed that France’s foreign policy should be exclusively determined within its borders, resolutely rejecting any external influence emanating from Moscow or other foreign capitals.
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