Marine Le Pen has set out the economic programme she would bring to the French presidency: 140 billion in net savings over five years, deep cuts to what France pays into the European Union, and less immigration. Rivals say the numbers do not add up, and the launch was overshadowed by questions about her party’s president.
Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen presented her economic plan on Tuesday, October 6, Politico reported.
“If the French do not choose a political about-face, France will head toward default,” she said at her National Rally party’s headquarters in Paris.
The Main Promises
- €140 billion in net savings over a five-year presidential term
- €19.5 billion cut from France’s contributions to the EU by 2031
- €11.1 billion cut from France’s gross EU contribution as early as next year, under the party’s counter-budget for 2027
- €15 billion saved in the first year by sharply reducing immigration, according to Le Pen
She also promised to cut red tape, and spent much of her opening speech attacking what she called President Emmanuel Macron’s “disastrous track record” on the economy.
A Confrontation With Brussels
The proposed cuts to EU contributions would set up a clash with the European Union.
Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a National Rally lawmaker seen as a possible economy minister, said the party wanted more than a discount. “We are not only asking for a rebate; we are asking for the cancellation of entire programs,” he said.
What Critics Say
Critics said the plan lacked detail on one of Le Pen’s most expensive pledges: returning the legal retirement age to 62. It is currently set to rise to 64.
Edouard Philippe, a centre-right presidential hopeful, called the plan “spectacularly flippant”.
“To make savings, you make up billions,” he wrote. “What you offer does not add up.”
Politico noted that Le Pen and her party have been criticised in past campaigns for unfunded proposals and for inflating projected savings.
A Softer Line on the Budget
Le Pen hinted that she would not bring down the government during the coming budget negotiations.
“The pressure [from financial markets] is such that we can’t afford to have blanket red lines,” she said, noting that the budget would apply only until the election and could be amended afterwards.
The Shadow Over the Launch
The event followed a difficult week for the party. Its president, Jordan Bardella, has been accused of expressing antisemitic views in Facebook messages in his youth.
Bardella stood beside Le Pen at the press conference and faced repeated questions about the allegations and about his ability to continue the campaign.
The Context
France’s public finances are under strain, and the National Rally is leading the polls ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Image: Marine Le Pen speaking in May 2024 (file photo). Photo by Vox España via Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
