The National Rassemblement’s program in view of the early parliamentary elections in Francecurrently presents the party president, Jordan Bardelawhile Marine Le Pen, as well as the head of the Republicans, Eric Ciotti, are naturally present at the presentation.
Bardella said he wanted to organize an “audit” of the state’s finances as soon as he came to power.
An “accounting committee” will then analyze “how the State spends its money, how Emmanuel Macron orchestrated the near bankruptcy of public accounts in the last seven years”.
“Progressive approach” to pensions
At the center, of course, is the thorny issue of pensions, one of the number 1 “wounds” of Macron’s presidency, which approved the reform to increase the limit of pensions with a law.
The RN who has been accused of many…dislocations. In autumn, “French people who started working before the age of 20 and have 40 years of pensionable service” will be able to retire at age 60.
In other cases, the RN wants “a progressive approach”: the legal age will be 62 years old and “up to 42 years of contributions” will be required. However, these reforms will not be implemented until the results of the French tax audit are known, but the remodeling 2023 will be abolished if the party comes to power.
As for the pension reform approved in the spring of 2023, which aimed to postpone the reform until the age of 64, “in principle it will be abolished” if the RN comes to power. He lamented the “hidden cost” of this reform, “two thirds of workers over 60 are unemployed”.
Cut spending on immigration
RN also promises to make “savings” to define its next policies. Spending on immigration and “expensive and abusive tax exemptions” should be among the “sources” of savings to rebalance public accounts, according to the RN spokesperson.
National Alarm remains ahead in the polls, with around 35.5-36% of the votes, ahead of the Nouveau Front Populaire (also known as the Left Popular Front) (between 27 and 29.5%). About 20% goes to the presidential field.
In the context of this “rational simplification” and the maintenance of finances promised by the Le Pen party, production will be reduced. In addition, “a state fund” will be created.
Finally, a grand “French food” plan will be created. The objective is “to reach 80% of French products in school canteens by 2027”. The RN will generalize “the labeling of the origin and quality of food products to allow our compatriots to consume French if they wish and to do so with total transparency to combat unfair international competition”.
Strategic positions for French citizens
Strategic diplomatic and military positions will be assigned to French citizens: “The most strategic positions in the state will be reserved for French citizens and French nationals. For a very simple reason, there are strategic positions linked to the security or defense sectors, which are by definition strategic sectors, and their reserve for French citizens.’
“It is also a way, among other things, to protect ourselves against attempts by foreign states to interfere in French interests.” The statement was made by the vice-president of RN, Sebastien Séni.
Bardella confirmed that “strategic positions” will not be given to people with dual citizenship if he is appointed prime minister.
About policy towards Moscow
Asked about the policy he would follow towards Russia, Jordan Bardela replied: “I do not intend to call into question France’s commitments, which would weaken the country on the international stage”.
Define two red lines: “the sending of French troops to Ukraine” and “the delivery of long-range missiles or equipment that could affect Russia.” “I see Russia as a multidimensional threat.” He added that he wanted to be “particularly vigilant” against “all forms of interference.”