Get 40% Off
🚨 Volatile Markets? Find Hidden Gems for Serious OutperformanceFind Stocks Now

France's far-right National Front party reaffirms anti-EU stance

Published 07/22/2017, 03:27 PM
Updated 07/22/2017, 03:30 PM
© Reuters. Newly-elected member of parliament Marine Le Pen of France's far-right National Front (FN) political party attends the opening session of the French National Assembly in Paris

By Ingrid Melander

PARIS (Reuters) - France's far-right National Front party reaffirmed on Saturday its anti-European Union stance while admitting voters' concerns over its policy to quit the euro, at the end of a two-day meeting aimed at analyzing its defeat in this year's election.

"Those taking part in the meeting unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty of our nation as the fundamental objective of our political movement," the party said in a statement.

"They also gave a strong reminder of their opposition to the European Union, as well as their desire to see the emergence of a Europe of nations and alliances," the National Front added.

Leader Marine Le Pen had vowed a 'renewal' of the party after she lost the presidential election to centrist Emmanuel Macron in May.

A month later, the National Front (FN) won just eight seats in parliamentary elections, well short of the minimum of 15 required to form a group with greater influence in the chamber.

Saturday's meeting will be followed by a questionnaire to be sent to National Front members in September, and a party congress early next year.

Among the biggest disagreements is the FN's economic policy, and in particular its rejection of the euro, an idea which is unpopular with the majority of the electorate but appeals to the party's core supporters.

"We have taken into account the electorate's message on the euro, namely that it was something that worried them," Jerome Riviere, part of Le Pen's presidential campaign team, told Reuters on Saturday.

3rd party Ad. Not an offer or recommendation by Investing.com. See disclosure here or remove ads .

Riviere said the FN's main priorities were on migration and border controls, rather than the euro currency.

Deputy chief Florian Philippot threatened to quit if the FN's policy on restoring the franc was dropped, to the annoyance of some senior colleagues, while Le Pen has left open the possibility of watering down the pledge.

Political analysts blamed the FN's election defeat on its lack of allies, distrust among voters for some of its hardline policies and a TV debate performance by Le Pen that some party officials admit was damaging.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.