Marine Le Pen on Alternative for Germany (AFD)

Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) formally severed its relationship with Germany's Alternative for Germany (AFD) in May 2024, marking a decisive end to their political cooperation within the Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament. This rupture followed remarks made by an AFD official regarding the party’s stance on immigration and the concept of "remigration," which Le Pen and her allies deemed unacceptable. The French party had previously shown signs of strain, particularly after an article in March 2024 highlighted Le Pen's hesitancy to fully endorse the AFD's hardline positions, especially concerning deportation and mass removal policies.

The move to cut ties was framed by Le Pen as a necessary measure to protect the RN’s own political image and distance itself from comments she felt were too extreme or damaged the broader European right-wing alliance. While the parties had shared similar nationalist and Eurosceptic platforms, the specific controversy surrounding the secret meeting and the official's statements forced a public and final schism. This action signals a strategic realignment, prioritizing a cleaner, more moderate presentation of the RN's platform over maintaining a broad alliance with all European far-right entities.