Far-right French party's rise may cut EU aid to Ukraine, Financial Times editor warns

Victor Mallet, senior editor at the Financial Times, warned at a Georgetown University event that the growing popularity of France's far-right party, Rassemblement National (RN), could lead to significant cuts in EU support for Ukraine, according to thehoya.com.

Mallet compared the rise of RN leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella to former U.S. President Donald Trump's ascent, highlighting a potential political shift in France that could strain relations with the EU.

He said a Le Pen presidency would likely result in reduced immigration, reimposed border controls with EU neighbors, prioritization of French citizens over foreigners, and cuts to public spending including welfare to migrants.

Mallet emphasized that the RN's rise threatens continued French and EU financial support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia, noting France's key role in the EU after Britain's 2020 exit.

The RN has become the largest party in the French Parliament and European Parliament, reflecting a growing voter desire for new leadership, Mallet added.

Experts suggest that France withdrawing funds from Ukraine could impact the entire EU's war effort financing.