Are the RN and NFP programmes compatible with EU rules?

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Brussels is keeping an eye on the French legislative elections.

A potential victory for the National Rally (RN) in the second round of the legislative elections on July 7 could cause shocks within the European Union.

If the far right no longer talks about Frexit or leaving the eurozone, some of the RN’s proposals are contrary to European law.

“Jordan Bardella announced that if he were in government, he would withdraw part of France’s contribution to the European Union budget, so obviously this would be a challenge to France’s commitment.“, says Eric Maurice, analyst at the European Policy Centre.

The reform of free movement within the Schengen area, wanted by the RN to reserve it for European nationals, would also be a point of contention.

“There is also the idea of ​​stricter immigration control, possibly supported by a referendum to make French law override European law. So there, we will be in flagrant contradiction with European law.“, assures the analyst.

The RN also proposes a reduction in VAT on energy, which is also incompatible with European Union rules since tax decisions must be taken unanimously.

Finally, Jordan Bardella wants to return to the pension reform adopted by Emmanuel Macron’s majority. Although the project does not fall under European competence, this reform is nevertheless recommended by the European Commission to control the public deficit.

Also the RN program would have effects on the EU even in the absence of a Frexit.

“It’s more perverse than that, in a way. It’s not an exit from the European Union, but it is a questioning of certain European policies, in any case of France’s participation in European policies or France’s commitments.“, analyzes Eric Maurice.

The left-wing parties, united under the banner of the New Popular Front, do not directly call into question France’s commitment to the Union, according to the analyst. On the other hand, tensions could appear on budgetary issues.

“When we look in particular at the economic and social component of this programme, it has a cost that is estimated at around 150 billion or 200 billion (euros), and there, we would find the question of controlling the deficit or the public debt, therefore of the convergence or in this case, of the divergence of the French economy with the economy of its European partners.” explains Eric Maurice.

Also, a widening of the deficit or debt would be in contradiction with the Stability Pact.

The European Commission recently criticized France and six other member states for excessive budget deficits.

According to the analyst, the New Popular Front thus proposes more of a revision of the political priorities of the Union such as for example the “end of free trade agreements” or a reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP).