Far-Right Leader Bardella Champions Artificial Intelligence Amidst Party Norms
In a surprising departure from his far-right party’s traditional stance, Jordan Bardella, the leader of France’s Rassemblement National (RN), has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) and voiced the urgent need for a European public policy in the sector. Bardella’s tech-friendly position was showcased at a recent symposium organized by the Identity & Democracy Foundation, associated with the RN-dominated European Parliament group.
Attended by Members of the European Parliament, writers, and entrepreneurs, the event provided a platform for Bardella to champion the potential of AI. Despite the conservative leanings within his camp, Bardella passionately advocated for the integration of AI, condemning over-regulation and rejecting the dark prophecies often associated with the technology.
At the symposium, Bardella was joined by like-minded individuals such as entrepreneur Laurent Alexandre, a strong advocate for transhumanism and AI, and tech expert Thomas Fauré. While the rest of the speakers focused on the ethical and moral implications of accelerating AI, Bardella’s presentation highlighted his genuine interest in the subject, making it clear that his stance appeals more to the upper class than to blue-collar workers.
Bardella’s enthusiasm for AI is not only a personal passion but also a strategic political move. Drawing inspiration from Yuval Noah Harari’s best-selling book Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, Bardella acknowledges the potential of AI to empower humanity or even lead to specialized AI algorithms taking control. At just 27 years old, Bardella represents the digitally-oriented generation and exhibits a level of interest in AI that is uncommon in the overall political class.
His relationship with Laurent Alexandre, who previously supported President Macron before aligning himself more closely with the far right, further demonstrates Bardella’s commitment to fostering discussions on AI. While Alexandre clarifies that he is not politically aligned with the RN, he maintains a friendship with Bardella and shares his belief in the importance of addressing immigration.
During a previous event organized by far-right weekly Valeurs Actuelles, Bardella mentioned the potential social crisis that could arise from advanced conversational AI software. He stressed the need for schools to adapt to the changing landscape rather than focusing on subjects like gender studies. Bardella’s position has since evolved, positioning it between naive technophilia and complete resistance to progress, emphasizing AI’s potential as a catalyst for progress and comfort, especially in sectors facing labor shortages and stagnating productivity.
Bardella’s embrace of AI challenges traditional party norms and highlights his forward-thinking approach. By advocating for the integration of AI into European public policy, he aims to harness its potential for the benefit of society. While the conservative camp within his party may approach AI with caution, Bardella’s tech-friendly position showcases his willingness to embrace new technologies and capitalize on their potential for societal progress.
