{
  "id": 14185301,
  "title": "France’s Philippe says Le Pen’s EU proposals would ‘crack open’ bloc",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/frances-philippe-says-le-pens-eu-proposals-would-crack-open-bloc",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-13T11:09:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/edouard-philippe-le-pen-eu-proposals-euroskeptic/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "French presidential candidate Edouard Philippe accused far-right rival Marine Le Pen of attempting to force France out of the European Union through her euroskeptic campaign promises. Philippe stated at POLITICO's Paris Competitiveness Summit that there are signs in Le Pen's proposals that could \"crack open\" Europe. The former prime minister noted that Le Pen's demand for a significant reduction in France's EU contribution resembles a desire to exit the bloc without openly advocating for it. Le Pen had previously proposed a French referendum on EU membership, which she abandoned after her 2017 election loss to Emmanuel Macron. Philippe criticized Le Pen's budget plans as \"grotesque\" and \"fantasy\" savings, mentioning that many experts have raised concerns about her fiscal proposals. Le Pen's proposal to lower the retirement age to 62 for most workers is estimated to cost €34.7 billion annually, according to the Institut Montaigne. Philippe argued that France needs to improve its finances to restore its credibility on the European stage after a decline in influence. He emphasized the need for a pragmatic European agenda with less regulatory burden, more investment, and a tougher stance against China. Philippe expressed concern over the EU's 2035 combustion engine ban, arguing for better protection of European markets and a preference for European-produced vehicles.",
  "summary": "The center-right candidate said at a POLITICO event that his far-right rival was selling the French 'fantasy' plans on the economy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}