Bardella Cancels CPAC Speech Over Bannon Gesture

French far-right leader Jordan Bardella cancelled his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington after Steve Bannon, a former advisor to US President Donald Trump, allegedly performed a Nazi salute. Bardella stated that the gesture, which he described as alluding to Nazi ideology, prompted his immediate withdrawal from the event. Bannon, however, denied the accusations, claiming the gesture was merely a wave he routinely uses in his speeches. This incident highlights tensions between Trump allies and European far-right leaders, with Bannon criticizing Bardella as 'unworthy to lead France.' Marine Le Pen, Bardella's predecessor, has attempted to mainstream the National Rally party by distancing it from extremist imagery. Despite these efforts, the party has faced challenges due to similar controversies involving its members in the past.