French government attacks Marine Le Pen alternative budget proposals

French government ministers have strongly criticized an alternative budget plan proposed by National Rally leader Marine Le Pen. Euronews reported that Economy Minister Roland Lescure said Le Pen was dreaming in color, while Public Accounts Minister David Amiel described her plan as a Potemkin budget made of cardboard. [1]

According to reports by Euronews and France 24, Le Pen unveiled an economic platform that aims to save 140 billion euros by 2032. France 24 reported that Le Pen pledged to make these cuts to prevent France from defaulting on its obligations. [1][9]

The Financial Times reported that Le Pen promised to rein in public spending, while TradingView said she plans to seek European Central Bank intervention to reduce the interest burden on France. POLITICO reported that her economic plan contains significant spending cuts but few new ideas. [2][3][4]

Le Pen served as president of the far right National Rally from 2011 to 2021 and ran in the 2012, 2017, and 2022 French presidential elections. She has served in the French National Assembly for Pas-de-Calais since 2017. [11]

CNBC reported that widespread student riots have broken out across France as Le Pen vows a fiscal turnaround. According to CNBC, more than 5,000 people have been arrested during the protests. [6][7]