Le Pen vows EU budget showdown in 2027 French election bid

Marine Le Pen, the far-right frontrunner for France's 2027 presidential election, has vowed to challenge the European Union over its finances if elected, promising a "trial of strength" to cut France's budget contributions. Le Pen, who is projected to face hard-left rival Jean-Luc Melenchon in a run-off, plans to save €11bn by reducing France's EU contribution in 2027, ultimately capping net payments at €5bn. She criticized the EU Commission's proposed €2 trillion budget for 2028-2034 as "deeply objectionable" and questioned Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's mandate. The pledge comes as Le Pen campaigns for her fourth presidential bid, following a court ruling that upheld her embezzlement conviction but allowed her to stand for office. She views next year's elections in France, Spain, Italy, and Poland as potentially transformative for nationalist parties across Europe.