French far-right leader Bardella seeks to reassure voters, EU partners on economic, foreign policies

abcnews.go.com:

French far-right leader Jordan Bardella has sought to reassure French voters, European partners and international observers that his potential government would lead “realistic” economic policies and “not weaken” France’s voice abroad

PARIS — Far-right leader Jordan Bardella sought to reassure French voters, European partners and international observers on Monday that his potential government would lead “realistic” economic policies and “not weaken” France’s voice abroad, if his party wins the upcoming parliamentary election.

Bardella, who could become prime minister if voters choose a majority of his National Rally party's candidates in the two-round parliamentary election on June 30 and July 7, unveiled his program at a news conference.

Polls show that the outcome of the early election, called by President Emmanuel Macron after his centrist alliance suffered a major defeat in this month's European Parliament election, remains highly uncertain. Macron is aligned against both the National Rally and the New Popular Front, a coalition of far- to center-left parties.

Dressed in a crisp gray suit and black tie, Bardella was notably affable, smiley and poised. He was seeking to project himself as a polished potential national leader despite his complete lack of experience in government and his age – which, at 28, would make him by far France’s youngest-ever prime minister.

He vowed to implement “realistic, credible" economic policies amid European Union criticism about France's excessive debt.

“The country’s worsening budgetary situation, with 300 billion (euros) in additional debt in the past two years and record public and trade deficits, must be taken into account,” he said.

Bardella promised to “defend purchasing