Le Pen Tells PM Barnier RN Will Censure Government Over Budget, Opposes Electricity Tax Hike

Nov 25, 2024, 08:55 AM

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen met with Prime Minister Michel Barnier at Matignon on Monday morning to discuss the 2025 budget. Le Pen stated that the National Rally (RN) is prepared to support a motion of censure against the government if the budget remains "in its current form", emphasizing that the government has little time left to improve the bill. She highlighted the party's "red lines", particularly opposing measures that would harm the purchasing power of the French people, such as the proposed increase in electricity tax, which is "not admissible" to her party. She also criticized the government for not making necessary savings, notably on immigration. Le Pen noted that Barnier appeared "camped on his positions" and was "not open to changes", though he was "not opposed" to considering the introduction of proportional representation.