Jordan Bardella's moment has arrived
It is time to take seriously the possibility that the next president of France will be Jordan Bardella. His star power was persuasively demonstrated at Thursday's May Day rally of the Rassemblement National (RN) in Narbonne, the heartland of the French right.
It was part political rally, part disco. The demographic was startling. The party stalwarts, aging boomers who have been voting for Le Pens for forty years, were heavily outnumbered by young people, dancing in front of the stage, waving tricolours.
Marine Le Pen, 56, spoke first and was rapturously applauded by her party faithful. But her delivery was flat. She seemed exhausted. She is resilient, having run for president three times already, but she has lost every time. While she insists that she is still in the game, she may have hit the buffers.
Jordan Bardella, the 29-year-old president of the RN, followed.
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Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Have you got nudes? What tourists need to know before going on holiday to the US
Thinking of visiting the US? You might want to delete the nudes on your camera roll before you go — that's if you don't want a border control officer looking at them, anyway. Under Trump's recent 'enhanced vetting' executive order, travellers are being reminded that border agents can – and do – search phones and laptops. Scrutiny is ramping up big time at the US border, with some being denied entry and even detained due to their digital content. On Wednesday, the US president resurrected a controversial travel ban from his first term in the White House: a proclamation that bans citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States. It's not something any of us want to think about before a holiday, but if you are stopped by a border agent, what are your rights? And do you have to hand your phone over? Metro asked the experts. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Yes, and they don't need a warrant to do so. CBP agents have the legal authority to search electronic devices at the border: that's phones, laptops and tablets. This includes reviewing text messages, social media activity, photos, emails and even your browser history. In March, an unnamed French scientist was denied entry to the States after airport immigration officers searched his phone and found messages critical of the Trump administration. Last month, Turkish-American streamer Hasan Piker claimed he was detained and questioned for two hours by US Customs and Border Protection agents at Chicago's O'Hare Airport after returning from France. He said agents interrogated him about his political views, including his stance on Trump and Gaza. Piker said the questioning felt 'deliberate'. The searches are intended to verify identity and assess any potential security risks. But the fact is, if you've got nudes anywhere on your phone, they can be found, even if accidentally. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video However, immigration lawyer Dr Jennifer Obaseki tells Metro that concerns are growing about the right to privacy. She asks: 'At what point does the US government feel they can overstep in restricting non-citizens' freedom of political expression, and therefore take that additional step to deny entry? It feels like a stretch on the authority they have, if not an abuse of power.' Dr Obaseki also notes that many of the people who have been interrogated or turned away at the US border have been vocal about the Trump administration and Gaza. The Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution protects people from random and arbitrary stops and searches. However, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the federal government claims the power to conduct certain kinds of warrantless stops within 100 miles of the US border. So, if you have anything NSFW on there, you might want to think about clearing it up. Technically, no. But what happens afterwards depends on your immigration status. US citizens and lawful permanent residents cannot be legally denied entry if they refuse to unlock their devices. Non-citizens, including tourists and visa holders, may be refused entry if they don't provide access to their device. And Dr Obaseki says this is more likely than not. 'Non-US citizens who are denied entry will typically be immediately removed. If it's in relation to digital content, though, the officer dealing with you would have to justify the decision,' she says. 'They have to give you a reason – whether they feel that you or the content that you hold shows that you have an intention to cause some kind of security risk, or because of any criminal history. If you don't have a criminal history, they have to consider you or your content as a risk.' If you agree to hand over your phone, the ACLU recommends that you enter your password yourself. Turning off Face ID or fingerprint beforehand can help protect your privacy, too. According to Dr Obaseki, if you have anything questionable on your phone, leave it at home. Simple as. You can always have your phone sent to you, or load your content in the cloud, and use a basic device during your time in the US. 'It's better to have yourself through customs and immigration, rather than have questions and challenges at immigration,' Dr Obaseki says. British travellers must also make sure they have an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is permission to enter the US, before travel. And Dr Obaseki warns there is no formal appeal process for visa denials. However, there are preparations you can put in place to make potential challenges easier. 'At the point of entry, have someone on standby,' she advises. Meaning, if you're going to be landing and you have someone in the US expecting you, ask them to meet you at the airport. If you provide border agents with the password of your device – or if you don't have one – they can conduct an immediate 'basic search'. This usually means browsing through your texts, photos, apps and social media posts. The ACLU says they might also download the full contents of your device and save a copy of your data. Agents have been required to return your device before you leave the airport since 2018. They could, however, choose to do an 'advanced' or 'forensic' search. This is when they hold onto your device for five days to conduct a thorough search. Agents can keep it for longer due to 'extenuating circumstances', when the period is extended by seven days each time. The ACLU says they have received reports of phones being held for weeks and even months. Should you leave the airport or other border checkpoint without your device, the ACLU advises getting a receipt. This will include information about your device and contact information to follow up. If your denial is linked to digital content or social media associations, Dr Obaseki says you have to think carefully. 'Ask yourself, if somebody has made a decision and made notes about me, who else is going to see them? How long are they going to be stored on my record?' She stresses that there could be a knock-on effect on future travel. Plus, there's no real transparency on how the content taken is going to be used against you. For example, what if a family member goes travelling, will they connect that person to you, and subsequently deny them entry? Dr Obaseki repeats: 'The basis for which the searches are being made must be properly written down so that they can be challenged if they're wrong. If you're denied entry due to being at a university where there was a particular demonstration, for example, that doesn't mean you were automatically associated.' In relation to your online presence, the expert says that the US Department of State, which handles visas and immigration abroad, are now working with social media companies to conduct these screenings. 'Before you go about getting your visa application, they are looking at your handles to find whether you should be allowed to come in,' she explains, adding that this expanded screening is going to step up more in June. 'The justification for that is because Trump has said he is going to be tough on immigration,' she adds. With more reports of travellers being questioned, turned away or detained at US airports, many are thinking twice about visiting. Dr Obaseki says we are likely to see more refusals over the next couple of months, and until the end of the Trump administration. 'We'll then have more cases which we can vet and analyse, and then use to advise people,' she says. According to a recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the US is projected to lose around $12.5 billion (£9.4 billion) in international travel spending this year, largely due to concerns over increased security. Many are opting out of visiting, citing fears of invasive searches, the possibility of being refused entry or being detained at the border. More Trending Still, the US is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico, a major draw which is predicted to bring in millions of tourists. However, easing airport security measures doesn't seem to be on the cards ahead of the event. Vice President JD Vance recently joked about deporting football fans who overstay their welcome at a recent press conference for the World Cup. ]'We'll have visitors from close to 100 countries. We want them to come,' he said. 'But when the time is up, they'll have to go home.' The ACLU advises taking precautions to ensure travelling goes as smoothly as possible, when it comes to keeping your devices safe. Here are some of the tips outlined on its website: Let officers know if you have privileged material on your device Travel with as little data and as few devices as possible Encrypt devices with strong and unique passwords and shut them down when crossing the border Store sensitive data in end-to-end encrypted cloud-storage account and remove any sensitive data from your device Upload sensitive photos on your camera to your password-protected laptop or a cloud storage account Keep devices off. If you must turn them on, ensure that they are in airplane mode, with both WiFi and Bluetooth disabled Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Trump warns that Putin wants revenge for Ukraine's drone attacks MORE: Expert reveals clues that Trump and Musk's relationship was doomed from the start MORE: Women who have a miscarriage in West Virginia could be prosecuted
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Farage's party in chaos after Reform chairman slams own MP over 'dumb' question
Reform MP Sarah Pochin, who was elected in last month's Runcorn by-election, demanded the government ban the burka face covering - but officials said this was 'not party policy' Reform UK's chairman has hit out at a "dumb" PMQs question asked by the party's newly elected MP. Sarah Pochin, who was elected in last month's Runcorn by-election, yesterday demanded the government ban the burka face covering. During Prime Minister's Questions, she asked Keir Starmer whether he would be joining countries including France, Denmark and Belgium in banning the face and body covering worn by some Muslim women. Reform UK distanced itself from the question, confirming that a burqa ban is "not party policy". They added there needs to be a "national debate" about it. Zia Yusuf, Reform's chairman, today said it was "dumb" for Ms Pochin to ask the question if it was not something Reform was behind. His comment came after controversial commentator Katie Hopkins asked him on social media if he had been the one to say it was "not party policy". The far-right TV personality added: "Burka ban MUST be party policy." Mr Yusuf replied: "Nothing to do with me. Had no idea about the question nor that it wasn't policy. Busy with other stuff. I do think it's dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn't do." Labour slammed Nigel Farage's party for again descending into fighting in their own ranks, especially as the party was small enough that its five MPs could fit "in the back of a cab". It warned voters Reform "only guarantees more Liz Truss-style chaos". A Labour spokesman said: ' Nigel Farage could fit all of his MPs in the back of a cab, yet he can't stop them fighting among themselves. Reform only guarantees more Liz Truss-style chaos. Their £80billion of unfunded commitments would lead to economic meltdown and put up everyone's mortgage and bills. They're just not credible.' Ms Pochin faced disquiet and cries of "shame" from MPs in the Commons on Wednesday after she called for a burqa ban during PMQs. She asked the PM: "Given the Prime Minister's desire to strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours, will he in the interests of public safety follow the lead of France, Denmark, Belgium and others and ban the burka?" Then-French president Nicolas Sarkozy introduced the ban in France in 2010. Anyone found wearing the covering in a public space can face a fine of 150 euros (£125). It has since been unsuccessfully challenged in the European courts. Belgium brought in a similar ban a year later, and other countries including Denmark and Austria have got similar laws. Switzerland was the latest European country to introduce a prohibition, which started on January 1 this year. The Prime Minister did not answer Ms Pochin's question, and instead used the opportunity to attack Reform's economic plans announced by party leader Mr Farage last week. Mr Starmer said: "Can I welcome her to her place, but I'm not going to follow her down that line. But now she is here and safely in her place, perhaps she could tell her new party leader that his latest plan to bet £80billion of unfunded tax cuts, with no idea how he's going to pay for it, is Liz Truss all over again. "Although considering I think (Ms Pochin) was a Conservative member when Liz Truss was leader, she probably won't." His response drew criticism from Conservative former foreign secretary James Cleverly, who tweeted afterwards: "After failing to answer any of Kemi's (Badenoch) questions, he basically said to Sarah Pochin that he didn't like her question, so 'wasn't going to engage with it'. Refusing to answer MPs' questions isn't an option as a government minister."
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside twisted crew on Greta Thunberg's Gaza ‘Freedom Flotilla' from terrorist sympathiser to Nazi-ranting TV presenter
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE crew on board Greta Thunberg's "Freedom Flotilla" include a terrorist sympathiser and a raging presenter who branded the IDF Nazis. The climate zealot, aged 22, is working with 11 other pro-Palestine activists on board the Madleen to deliver a "symbolic" amount of aid into Gaza. 6 Greta Thunberg's Freedom Flotilla is packed with a controversial crew Credit: Getty 6 Thiago Ávila (L) hailed the former leader of terrorist group Hezbollah 6 Yasemin Acar is among the extremist crew 6 French MEP Rima Hassan (R) is on board the ship Credit: Reuters The young campaigners say they are hoping to 'break the siege' and raise 'international awareness' of the humanitarian crisis on the Gaza Strip. But some of them have openly supported terrorist organisations like the infamous Hezbollah. Brazilian protestor Thiago Avila attended the funeral of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in February after he was assassinated last year. Avila hailed the Islamist militia leader as a "beloved" leader and a "martyr." The Brazilian also said he was "very honored" and "very happy" to attend the funeral of the terrorist group leader. Nasrallah "inspired people all over the world", according to Avila. On X, Avila said of Hezbollah's head was an "important figure", and that the funeral "amazed him". Nasrallah was the leader of Hezbollah - which is deemed a terrorist organisation in the UK and US among other countries. He helped train fighters from the terror group Hamas and other militias in Iraq and Yemen. Another sailor on board the so-called Freedom Flotilla is Yasemin Acar, from Berlin, who gained notoriety for hate speech against Jews. Death of Hamas chief Mohammad Sinwar could cause DECIMATED terror group to implode When Iran launched a terrifying missile strike on Israel, she reportedly danced with a pal in celebration as the rockets hit, according to Bild. Acar has also reportedly drawn slogans to target Israel, and at a demonstration she was heard racially abusing a white woman. She said: "You're a white person, you shouldn't tell us what to do." Scandalous politician Rima Hassan is also on board the ship to Gaza. She has accused Israel of being responsible for the October 7 deaths and kidnappings of Kfir and Ariel Bibas and their mum Shira in 2023. This is despite the fact that terror group Hamas executed the infamous attack where the three were taken and killed. Hassan reportedly tweeted: "Kfir, Ariel, and Shiri Bibas were killed by an Israeli attack." 6 Great Thunberg en route to Gaza Credit: X 6 Deceased Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah Credit: AP She also took part in a protest in Jordan last year - in which demonstrators held up banners praising Hamas and calling for the destruction of Israel, according to Bild. Hassan was among people reportedly chanting in the streets: 'We die for jihad.' French journalist Omar Faiad is also sailing with Greta and co. The Al-Jazeera journalist has downplayed the Holocaust and shockingly compared the IDF to Nazis. The reporter said on X: "The Israeli army resembles the Nazi army." He also claimed that "Israel is committing a new Holocaust in Gaza" shortly after the barbaric October 7 attack. Who is on board the "Freedom Floitlla"? Greta Thunberg - Swedish climate activist Rima Hassan – French-Palestinian MEP Yasemin Acar – German activist Thiago Avila – Brazilian activist Omar Faiad – French journalist Pascal Maurieras – French activist Yanis Mhamdi – French reporter Suayb Ordu – Turkish activist Sergio Toribio – Spanish activist Marco van Rennes – Dutch activist Reva Viard – French activist Liam Cunningham - Irish actor Baptiste Andre - French Physician On Wednesday, Israel issued a stark warning to Thunberg's ship as the climate activist aimed to sail into Gaza. The Swede left from Catania, Italy, on Sunday to take the Madleen across the Mediterranean. Also on board the ship is Irish Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham. She posted pictures of herself on social media with a Palestine flag and wearing a keffiyeh scarf. Israel is prepared to raid the ship, IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. He said: "We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly." One activist on board has said they are being followed by a drone - a month after another boat under the same flag was allegedly attacked by one.
