Patriots for Europe: Le Pen's RN Joins New Far-Right Alliance

France's National Rally (RN) has joined the far-right alliance Patriots for Europe, spearheaded by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The alliance, consisting of various European nationalist parties, aims to challenge the centre-right EPP by opposing illegal immigration and advocating for more powers for member states. The group now holds 84 members.

France's National Rally (RN) is now part of the European Parliament's third-largest alliance, Patriots for Europe, led by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the group confirmed on Monday.

The alliance aims to combat illegal immigration and shift more powers from Brussels back to member states. This move follows RN's setback in the French National Assembly elections where it finished third.

With RN's 30 members, the Patriots now hold 84 seats. The alliance poses a significant challenge to the centre-right European People's Party (EPP). Key figures in the group include Jordan Bardella, Kinga Gál, and Roberto Vannacci.

(With inputs from agencies.)