Marine Le Pen Defends Decision to Topple Barnier Government

The RN leader's controversial support for the censure motion has bolstered her position in polls despite internal and external criticism.

Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National backed a motion of censure that led to the fall of Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government on December 4, 2024.
The decision faced internal hesitation within the RN, with concerns about alienating right-leaning voters and disrupting the party's long-term strategy.
Recent polling indicates Le Pen's popularity has grown, with her projected to lead the first round of the 2027 presidential election by a wider margin than in September.
Critics, including former MoDem MP François Pupponi, argue that Le Pen's communication around the censure vote was unclear but acknowledge that political instability has worked in her favor.
The RN remains optimistic despite losing a parliamentary seat in the Ardennes, viewing the censure vote as a calculated step toward consolidating power.