French National Rally (RN) leader Le Pen sees the extraordinary political events of late-2026 and 2027 as ushering in significant European change, FT reports. Adds, EU Commission President von der Leyen no longer has the confidence of many EU governments.

Describes the EU attempt to agree a 7yr budget before the French Presidential election as "deeply objectionable". Has the "will and conviction" to cut France's contribution to the EU budget. Says the heavy European debt burden is more of a concern than any French-EU clash over fiscal contributions. Wants the ECB to be able to finance borrowing for priorities such as defence and the energy transition.