“It is part of an embassy’s role to talk to all political forces in its host country,” said a spokesperson for the embassy, declining to comment on what was discussed.
A press representative for the party said no visit to Germany was in the works as of now, but Bardella’s inner circle has an example in mind for constructive collaboration with the EU’s economic powerhouse: The working relationship between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Meloni, who has recast herself in office as a more moderate figure after years on the political fringes.
Bardella has publicly cited Meloni as an inspiration, and hopes are growing within his party that if he were to become president, he could work with the German and Italian leaders to push the EU in a rightward direction.
In an interview with the German newspaper FAZ Tuesday, Bardella hinted at his hope of forming a power triangle with Berlin and Rome, citing migration as an issue on which the three capitals could have a common cause. “France and Germany, with Italy’s support, can consider new forms of cooperation on this issue,” he said.
“Chancellor Merz is cooperating very pragmatically with Giorgia Meloni’s government,” said National Rally MEP Fabrice Leggeri, one of the party’s top figures in Brussels, noting ongoing tensions between Berlin and Paris under French President Emmanuel Macron.
Bridge building
A French appeals court will decide in July whether Marine Le Pen, the National Rally’s longtime de facto leader, will be able to stand in next year’s French presidential election. If Le Pen is barred from running for office. Bardella is the party’s official Plan B.