France, Feb. 22 -- French far-right leader Jordan Bardella abruptly withdrew from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday, citing concerns over a gesture made by former Trump advisor Steve Bannon that he described as 'alluding to Nazi ideology'.

Jordan Bardella - president of France's National Rally (RN)- had been scheduled to speak at the CPAC meeting in Maryland on the relationship between the United States and France, as well as the rise of nationalist movements in Europe.

However, after learning of Bannon's controversial salute gesture, he announced his immediate cancellation.

"Yesterday, while I was not in the room, one of the speakers out of provocation allowed himself a gesture alluding to Nazi ideology. I ...