French Banks Unite in Refusing Loans, Le Pen Faces Funding Crunch and Proposes Private Borrowing
All French banks have declined to provide loans for Le Pen’s campaign.
Marianne Le Pen stated that every French bank she approached refused to lend to her campaign. The politician has notified the government and proposed allowing candidates to borrow from private sources.
“We contacted all French banks, and they all said no,” she said. “This presents a problem—and I know we are not the only ones facing this situation.” She noted that she had informed the French government of the issue. Meanwhile, existing regulations significantly restrict candidates’ ability to raise campaign funds.
Le Pen called for legislation permitting presidential candidates to secure loans from private entities—a practice currently banned in presidential elections but permitted in other electoral contexts. Additionally, individual donation limits remain capped at €4,600.
Representatives of the National Rally argue that amending the law would be the simplest and swiftest way to resolve the current impasse. However, implementation of this proposal would require approval from relevant authorities.
The party has previously faced difficulties securing financing. In 2022, it was forced to turn to a Hungarian bank; in 2014, it received €9 million from First Czech Russian Bank. These funds were used to support a series of election campaigns. The first round of France’s presidential election is scheduled for April 18, 2027, with the second round set for May 2.
Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron, constitutionally barred from serving more than two consecutive terms, will be ineligible to run in the upcoming vote.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1878534250581064/
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