Le Pen: ‘What hostile act has Russia committed against France?’

“I think that something bigger is behind these actions — a strategy aimed at building a wall between the EU and Russia. Judging by my experience of working in the European Parliament, I know that the EU is waging a cold war against Russia,” she said.

Le Pen’s statement comes in the wake of the news that some European countries, including France, were considering kicking out Russian diplomats or recalling their ambassadors from Moscow after British Prime Minister Theresa May accused Russia of wrongdoing.

Russia has firmly rejected the accusations and has offered assistance in the investigation. However, Moscow’s request for samples of the chemical substance used to poison Skripal was denied. In response to the UK expulsion of Russian diplomats, Moscow has expelled UK diplomats and ordered the British Council to stop close their doors in Russia.

The leader of the FN said she was “surprised” that “Britain was so convinced” about the responsibility of Russia in the poisoning case of the former Russian spy.

“Justice is quick in Britain because within the space of a few days, we determine who is guilty,” she noted with sarcasm.

The precedent of the alleged weapons of mass destruction wielded by former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein “must push us to be cautious,” she added.

“An investigation must take place. And until now it has not happened,” explained Le Pen.

The member for Pas-de-Calais found the statements by British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson “utterly outrageous” after he “drew a parallel between Vladimir Putin and Adolf Hitler”. Johnson has compared the World Cup in Russia with the Berlin Olympics in 1936 under Hitler.

According to Le Pen, “the interest of France is to continue to have relations with Russia and even (to) deepen these”. She also questioned the French motive for joining in on the side of the UK. “What hostile act has Russia committed against France?” she asked.

Several representatives of the FN, including vice-president Louis Aliot, went to Moscow on March 18 to observe the presidential election, at the invitation of the Russian authorities.

The Front National congratulated Vladimir Putin for his re-election and hailed “the stability and democratic anchoring” of Russia. “This broad electoral success confirms the stability and democratic anchoring of Russia, it reflects the will of the Russian people to continue on the path of reforms initiated by President Putin,” the party said in a statement.

This election must “especially lead the European Union to review its copy and put an end to its absurd and counterproductive policy of blackmail, threats and sanctions,” said the FN. “We must stop seeing Russia as an adversary and renew dialogue with an indispensable ally in the war against terrorism and the common enemy of the Islamic State,” the Front National added.

Other FN members, including Gilbert Collard were also invited to observe the election, as well as deputies Bruno Bilde, Ludovic Pajot and Bruno Gollnisch.