Le Pen's calls to halt aid to Ukraine demonstrate her incompetence or subservience to Kremlin – Renew Europe leader

French National Rally leader Marine Le Pen's decision to halt financial aid to Ukraine raises concerns about her competence or her loyalty to Kremlin's interests, according to Valérie Hayer, chair of the liberal Renew Europe group in the European Parliament. In a statement on social media platform X, Hayer argued that Le Pen's move either reflects incompetence or subservience to Moscow's desires.

Hayer questioned the rationale behind the National Rally's abstention on a resolution urging the mobilization of frozen Russian funds for Ukraine's war efforts and reconstruction. She also pointed out that her MEPs had opposed a EUR 90 billion European loan, intended to be repaid through reparation payments from Russia. Hayer stressed that financial and military support for Ukraine is not an act of abstract generosity, but rather a critical measure to ensure the security of all European nations.

With intelligence agencies across several European countries warning of a rising Russian threat to EU member states, Hayer maintained that Le Pen's stance is either indicative of her incompetence or her subservience to the Kremlin's agenda. She concluded that Marine Le Pen's decision demonstrates, at best, a lack of understanding or competence, and at worst, an unwavering subservience to the Kremlin.