France's far right shows off star turn for EU elections
By Hugh Schofield
Ahead of next month’s elections to the European Parliament, France’s far-right National Rally is boasting a star new recruit.
Until two years ago, Fabrice Leggeri was executive-director of the European Union’s border agency Frontex.
For the National Rally (RN), already riding high in the opinion polls, the arrival of such an important figure is a major coup.
Mr Leggeri, 56, was schooled to be part of France’s administrative elite.
Before taking over at Frontex in 2015, he held posts in the interior, defence and foreign ministries.
His establishment status helps push back against a persistent criticism of the RN, that it lacks the human talent needed for effective government.
The former high-ranking EU official, who still lives in Brussels, is scathing about the European Commission and the way he claims it allowed an NGO pro-migrant agenda to undermine his task of patrolling EU borders.
He also blames President Emmanuel Macron for failing to support him, when it was clear he was falling out of favour with the Commission.
