Writings Attributed to Bardella Spark Political Storm in France

Private writings attributed to Bardella have sparked a political controversy in France over allegations that they contain antisemitic ideas and conspiracy theories.

The material dates from 2013 to 2015 and forms the basis of a broader investigation into views allegedly expressed in those writings.

One phrase attributed to Bardella — “The banks are all owned by Jews” — is used as the investigation’s starting point. The statement invokes an antisemitic conspiracy trope linking Jews to control of the banking system.

The investigation goes beyond that phrase to examine what it describes as antisemitic thinking and conspiracy theories in the wider body of material.

The allegations center on writings attributed to Bardella, rather than remarks identified as public statements. The available summary provides no response from him or details of how the material was authenticated.