“They tried to eliminate the National Front,” began J-M Le Pen at his press briefing. He claimed to be the victim of a state-mandated media censorship, yet he demonstrated that the National Front still had resources. For this campaign, the party stuck to its trademark approach of massive communication. They visited every department to meet citizens, distributed over 1.5 million leaflets, and put up 150,000 posters—all financed by the state to the tune of 600,000 euros. This amount is indeed the allocation given to each party for these European elections. Nevertheless, this budget did not allow the FN to field a list in the overseas departments and territories.
Outspokenly against Europe, Jean-Marie Le Pen once again expressed his desire to return to French sovereignty. The frontist leader advocates for a return to the franc and the reinstatement of borders. He also accused globalists, Europe, and its supporters of being responsible for the current crisis. According to the president of the National Front, Europe has never kept its promises. When asked about the amendment that would have allowed him to open the European parliamentary session, the FN president said he was unconcerned: “anyway, I would not have been given the floor.”
“The president is a liar”
Like the opposition, Jean-Marie Le Pen also criticized the current government. For the FN lead candidate, Nicolas Sarkozy is a “liar.” As evidence, he pointed to the President’s strategically timed statement opposing Turkey’s entry into Europe. “The president knows well that Turkey’s admission is sought by the United States because of its position […] He will just end up saying ‘I was against it, but I have to side with the majority,’” vented the founder of the National Front.
Later, Jean-Marie Le Pen urged people to vote on Sunday, June 7th, before concluding: “I am very pleased to be elected from PACA. Starting in September, I will campaign again, which will be my revenge for the 2004 regional elections.”
