Portrait of Marine Le Pen
Politician · concept
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Marine Le Pen on Global Economy

Economic Nationalist Protectionist (strong) Position evolved

Marine Le Pen positions herself as a strong opponent of globalization, which she attributes to various negative economic trends impacting France. Her proposed economic framework strongly favors economic nationalism and an interventionist role for the government in the national economy.

As an alternative to current international structures, Le Pen favors protectionism over free trade agreements and supports the separation of investment and retail banking. She has also expressed opposition to the privatization of public services and speculation on international commodity markets.

Historically, her stance has included calling for France to leave the Eurozone and the European Union, though she moderated this position by 2019 to focus on changing the EU from within rather than outright departure. She also supports replacing the World Trade Organization and abolishing the International Monetary Fund.

Timeline

  1. As the new president of the Front National, Marine Le Pen denounced the 'Europe of Brussels,' criticizing its imposition of 'destructive principles of ultra-liberalism and free trade.'
  2. During her first presidential campaign, Le Pen focused on themes like re-industrialisation and challenged both main candidates for submitting to the IMF, ECB, or European Commission.
  3. Le Pen promised a referendum on France's EU membership if she could not secure her territorial, monetary, economic, and legislative goals for the country within six months of renegotiation with the EU.
  4. It was reported that Marine Le Pen no longer advocated for France to leave the European Union or the euro currency, shifting instead to changing the bloc from the inside with allied parties.

Actions Taken

  1. Speech
    Denounced the 'Europe of Brussels' for imposing destructive principles of ultra-liberalism and free trade during her opening speech as FN President.
  2. Debate
    Challenged the perceived subservience of French candidates to the IMF, ECB, or European Commission during the 2012 election debates.
  3. Policy Proposal
    Proposed the replacement of the World Trade Organization and the abolition of the International Monetary Fund.
  4. Policy Shift
    Reportedly ceased advocating for leaving the EU or euro in 2019, opting instead to change the bloc internally.

Criticism

François Hollande

Said in 2017 that Le Pen was talking 'like a leaflet of the Communist Party' following her social program announcements, contrasting her with her right-wing platform.

Nicolas Sarkozy

Declared in 2016 that Le Pen's support for SYRIZA made her a far-left politician sharing some propositions with Jean-Luc Mélenchon.