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Marine Le Pen’s illiberal offensive
Marine Le Pen’s National Rally has intensified attacks on charities, trade unions, judges, journalists and other institutions that could criticise the party ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election. The article argues that this signals a more confrontational approach to democratic checks as the RN grows more confident about its prospects of gaining power.
During debates on the 2026 budget, the RN proposed cutting billions of euros in non-profit funding, including a €4 billion reduction in the first year of a hypothetical Le Pen presidency. Le Pen has called for denying state grants to organisations deemed “politicised”; other party figures have also questioned union support and tax relief for charities. The article cites attacks on journalists and constitutional officials, proposals to publish lists of supposedly lenient judges, and plans to cut some public agencies and social science research funding.
In short
- The RN is targeting organisations it considers politicised.
- Le Pen’s proposed first-year cuts to non-profits total €4 billion.
- The campaign’s rhetoric raises questions about checks on power.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that charities, unions and public agencies receiving state money should be accountable to taxpayers and politically neutral in their use of public funds. They may see cuts, tighter grant criteria and scrutiny of judges or officials as legitimate ways to curb perceived institutional bias and give elected governments greater control over policy.
The case against
Critics could argue that broad funding cuts and efforts to identify or discredit judges, journalists and civic groups risk weakening independent scrutiny and deterring legitimate dissent. They may see these institutions as essential checks on executive power, especially when a party seeking office signals that it would restrict support for organisations it considers politically opposed.