Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN), is turning her attention back to politics after a challenging legal ordeal. A verdict regarding allegations of misused European Parliament funds won't be announced until 31 March, giving her a temporary reprieve from legal scrutiny.
Le Pen has spent the past two months dividing her time between the National Assembly and court appearances in a criminal case that could affect her eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential elections.
The accusations centre on claims that European parliamentary assistants were hired with EU funds but worked exclusively for the benefit of Le Pen’s RN party.
Government squeezed
With the legal proceedings on hold, Le Pen is now concentrating on strengthening her party's position with the upcoming 2025 budget vote, which is causing market turbulence and risks bringing down the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
"It's a question of whether we can change a budget that is bad, unfair, violent, and if not, of drawing the political consequences," she said, adding it was important to challenge it.
French government still shaky as lawmakers compromise on budget bill
RN's position on the budget vote gives it unprecedented leverage over government policy, with National Rally deputies in a position to support or topple the government.
Party leaders have been vocal in the media, increasing pressure on Barnier’s government.
RN has hinted that its lawmakers could vote in favour of a no-confidence motion unless concessions are made.
The party appears to be using its leverage to secure concessions during final budget negotiations, particularly targeting cuts to the state medical aid budget for foreign nationals – a policy victory they could present to voters.
The RN's threat of supporting a no-confidence vote puts significant pressure on the government to consider the party's demands.
