Marine Le Pen’s party faces fresh scrutiny following controversial remarks about its Ukraine funding stance. Louis Aliot, a prominent vice president within the Rassemblement National (RN), declared the party would “turn off the tap” on aid if it gained power. This statement came during a Thursday interview, sparking immediate political debate.
Aliot, also mayor of Perpignan, highlighted severe domestic pressures. He cited the stretched healthcare system, struggling education sector, and broader economic challenges. “Everything is stretched to the limit,” Aliot stated, questioning continued military aid. He further asked, “Who is paying for all this?” He stressed the need to consider ending the conflict.
Meanwhile, Aliot affirmed the RN “condemned the Russian aggression.” However, he also argued the war had “weakened Europe.” This position aligns with the party’s long-standing accusations of being pro-Moscow. Le Pen’s party currently shows strong poll numbers for the presidential election’s first round.
The comments swiftly drew sharp criticism over the Le Pen Ukraine stance from political opponents. Edouard Philippe, a key rival to Le Pen and former Prime Minister under Emmanuel Macron, reacted strongly. On Friday, he posted on X, asserting that “turning off the tap to Ukraine is serving Russia.” He warned that weakening Ukraine threatened European and French security, vowing to prevent it.
Similarly, Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad criticized the RN. He labeled it the “party of capitulation.” Haddad warned that “abandoning Ukraine means weakening the security of France and Europeans.”
Marine Le Pen herself then entered the discussion. She dismissed the criticism as “slander.” Le Pen reminded critics that Philippe had hosted then-Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in 2019. Furthermore, she pointed out President Macron had welcomed Vladimir Putin the same year.
Le Pen lambasted her rivals’ “dismal” international and economic records. She reiterated her party’s commitment to a “diplomatic resolution of this abominable war.” Polls suggest Le Pen is favored to win the first round, facing a close contest with Philippe if he advances.
