Marine Le Pen warns of economic paralysis over French fuel taxes

Marine Le Pen, leader of the Rassemblement National, has warned that President Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to lower fuel taxes threatens to paralyze the French economy. During a visit to the town of Bomas, Le Pen argued that record-high fuel prices—with diesel reaching 2.4 euros per liter and gasoline exceeding 2.2 euros—will force citizens to drastically reduce consumption, leading to a massive loss in state tax revenue.

Le Pen also proposed significant changes to energy policy, including replacing the current 'MaPrimeRénov’' subsidy system with a zero-interest loan program called '100% Rénov’'. This plan aims to provide 20 billion euros in green loans by 2030. Additionally, she advocated for making the Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (DPE) non-binding to prevent housing market exclusions.

In response to rising costs, President Macron stated that fuel price increases are not a direct consequence of government decisions and called for addressing underlying causes rather than increasing deficits or taxes. Meanwhile, social tensions are rising, with political leaders warning of potential large-scale protests due to high fuel costs and proposed government austerity measures totaling 54 billion euros for the 2027 budget.