Marine Le Pen makes new EU pledge – but it depends on one thing

• Marine Le Pen has pledged a trial of strength with the European Union over its proposed budget if she is elected French president.
• The National Rally leader criticised the EU Commission for attempting to finalise a near €2 trillion budget before the French elections, describing the move as deeply objectionable.
• Le Pen outlined plans to cut France's net contribution to the EU budget to €5 billion, saving €11 billion in 2027 as part of a wider deficit reduction plan.
• She claimed that EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen no longer holds the confidence of member states and should not complete her mandate.
• Le Pen launched her fourth presidential campaign after an appeals court shortened her ban on running for office, allowing her to stand despite a conviction for misusing EU funds.

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