Le Pen slams Brussels push to lock in EU budget before 2027 vote, vowing 'trial of strength' if elected

Marine Le Pen has attacked the European Commission's drive to seal a near-€2 trillion EU budget before the French presidential election, calling it "deeply objectionable" and a sign of "contempt for democratic processes" as she pledged a direct confrontation with Brussels if she wins in April. Speaking from her Paris office, Le Pen branded the pre-election budget push a deliberate attempt to bind her hands, and has pledged to cut France's net EU contribution to €5 billion as part of a broader €140bn deficit-reduction plan.

Le Pen, the frontrunner ahead of incumbent Emmanuel Macron's departure, described the budget clash as a "tough debate" she has the "will and conviction" to win.

Brussels wants a budget agreement sealed before year's end, yet France and Germany are already on opposing sides — Macron pressing for an "ambitious" budget while Germany and five northern allies are seeking cuts worth several hundred billion euros.

Le Pen's plan would save France €11bn in 2027 alone by slashing its EU contributions, a move she has framed as restoring democratic control over French finances.