Experts say a victory for far-right candidate Marin Lepen would have a huge impact on the functioning of the EU. EU and sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Macron, the current president with strong pro-European views, and Le Pen, an anti-immigration nationalist, could not have more radically opposed visions for the EU. “The debate we will have in the coming days is crucial for our country and Europe,” Macron said after announcing the results. On Tuesday, he will travel to Strasbourg, the seat of the EU parliament, to discuss France’s role in Europe. All polls suggest Macron is the front-runner, but Le Pen has narrowed the gap compared to the last presidential election five years ago. France has always been at the heart of the EU – a founding member who worked with Germany’s neighbor and historical rival to turn the bloc into an economic giant and a symbol of Western values. It would be bad enough to hand over this famous perch to an extreme right-wing politician. Coincidentally, however, France is also holding the rotating six-month EU presidency this spring, which also allows it to speak with the power of 27. It is a pedestal that few want to offer to Lepen. The leader of the National Rally wants to introduce national border controls on imports and people, reduce France’s contribution to the EU budget and stop recognizing that European law takes precedence over national law. He has proposed the abolition of taxes on hundreds of basic goods and wants to reduce taxes on fuel – something that would go against the rules of the EU free market. Jean-Claude Piris, who has served as legal adviser to the European Council and is an expert on the EU institutions, said a victory for Le Pen would result in an “earthquake”, as the measures he advocated would be tantamount to a withdrawal. from the 27-nation bloc. “He is in favor of a form of economic patriotism with state aid, which is against the rules of the single market,” Pearce told the Associated Press. “France will no longer participate in the common free market and trade policies.” “He wants to amend the French constitution by giving preference to the French, suppressing the right to land, the right to asylum,” which would be “completely incompatible with the values of the European treaties,” Piris added. Piris said Le Pen’s arrival would also threaten the 27-year-old unanimity on the sanctions they have so far taken against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. It could prevent further action. The bloc is currently considering the possibility of adding further restrictions on oil imports from Russia. Lepen has forged close ties with the Kremlin over the years. In her previous bid to become president of France in 2017, she called for strong security ties with Moscow to jointly fight radical Islamic groups. He also pledged to recognize Crimea – the peninsula annexed by Ukraine in 2014 – as part of Russia. Lepen acknowledged that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had “partially” changed her views on Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying she was “wrong” and expressing support for the Ukrainian people and refugees. Pierce believes that while Le Pen could find allies in some of the right-wing governments currently in power in Eastern Europe, she would face hostile reactions from most other EU members. Luis Alio, vice-president of Le Pen’s National Rally party, told France Info on Monday that France’s allies would include Hungary and Poland. A report by the Center for European Reform published on Monday highlighted how Le Pen could well follow in the footsteps of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki, setting up roadblocks in Brussels where cumbersome EU. decision making. “The difference is that France… is necessary for the EU,” the report said, adding that the consequences would be “political chaos.” CER experts also believe that Le Pen’s policies would conflict with the bloc’s climate goals. Le Pen is in favor of nuclear expansion, and several non-governmental groups have warned that it will slow down the transition to renewable energy sources. In addition, the traditional Franco-German relationship would be undermined, with German Socialist Chancellor Olaf Solz unlikely to reach a compromise with Le Pen. Neighboring Luxembourg’s longtime foreign minister, Jean Asselborn, described the situation as “very, very worrying”. Le Pen as French president “would not be just a reversal in Europe as a work of values, a plan of peace. “It would put us on a completely different path to the essence of the European Union,” Asselborn said. “The French must prevent this.”
Kazer and Petrekin reported from Brussels. Colleen Barry in Milan, Italy and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.
