Marine Le Pen campaign financing talks with French banks and government

French authorities are reportedly negotiating with major French banks to arrange a loan for Marine Le Pen’s presidential campaign, with the state offering a partial guarantee. The meeting, convened by interior minister Sébastien Lecornu at Matignon, aims to prevent the far‑right candidate from seeking foreign financing ahead of the 2027 election.

The Rassemblement National carries a debt exceeding €11 million, historically relying on loans from foreign lenders after French banks declined to lend. Government involvement raises concerns about setting a precedent for state‑backed political credit, potentially altering the transparency of campaign financing in France.