A NEW EUROPE?! Le Pen's Plan for Europe

How a National Rally Government Could Affect the EU

The video examines how a National Rally (RN) government led by Marine Le Pen could affect the European Union and assesses the party’s approach to European integration.

Le Pen’s Political Evolution

The presenter traces the party’s rise from Jean-Marie Le Pen’s National Front to Marine Le Pen’s repeated qualification for the presidential run-off, where she won 33.9% of the vote in 2017 and 41.45% in 2022. The party rebranded as the National Rally, distancing itself from her father and its earlier position on leaving the euro.

Its central principle remains “France above all,” including strict immigration controls, law and order, and protection of national industry.

Immigration and Borders

The RN proposes limiting free movement in the Schengen area to citizens of Schengen countries and increasing checks at national and external borders. It wants Frontex to play a larger role in returning migrants and would use development aid to pressure countries to accept them back.

The party opposes the EU migration pact’s burden-sharing requirements. It also seeks constitutional priority for French citizens in access to some benefits, a proposal the presenter says could conflict with EU equal-treatment rules.

Economics and Energy

The party supports public funding for European-made goods and European-controlled technology firms, while also seeking to prioritize French companies in public contracts. It opposes new trade agreements such as Mercosur, wants to reduce regulation and repeal much of the Green Deal, and favors nuclear power and greater French control over electricity prices.

The RN also wants France to contribute less to the EU budget, opposes EU taxes and shared borrowing through Eurobonds, and wants to preserve agricultural funding.

Defence and Ukraine

The RN supports European weapons production and cooperation between national armed forces, but rejects transferring more military authority to the EU or creating a European army. It says it supports Ukraine’s defence while advocating strict limits on aid. The video also notes the party’s opposition to Ukraine joining the EU.

The presenter highlights the party’s €9.4 million loan from a Russian bank in 2014, its past contacts with Kremlin officials, and Russian-linked disinformation and interference in France.

EU Institutions

The party wants national governments to have vetoes over more decisions, including trade, and wants the French constitution to take precedence over EU rules. It also seeks to weaken the European Commission’s role in proposing laws, shifting more initiative to national governments in the Council.

The presenter notes that these institutional changes would require agreement from other member states and treaty changes. The video also mentions Le Pen’s conviction over the misuse of EU parliamentary funds.

Presenter’s Assessment

The host argues that prioritizing French firms, national control, and vetoes would undermine European cooperation, despite the RN’s stated interest in European industrial independence. They warn that a Le Pen victory could weaken the European project, especially if other large EU countries also turn against closer cooperation.

The host awards the RN 2 out of 10 for European integration:

• One point for supporting European economic independence in industry and technology.
• One point for supporting European weapons production and military cooperation.

Presenter and Contributor

An unnamed French presenter hosts the video. Lambertus is mentioned but does not speak in the supplied subtitles.