Iran War & Fuel Prices: Marine Le Pen Accuses French State of Profiteering | L’Express

Paris – As geopolitical tensions continue to impact global energy markets, France’s far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen and currently headed by Jordan Bardella, has increasingly focused its political messaging on the rising cost of fuel. However, claims made by Le Pen regarding the French state “profiting” from the energy crisis are facing scrutiny, with economists suggesting a misrepresentation of how taxes and revenue actually function. The debate highlights a broader trend of populist parties capitalizing on economic anxieties, but also raises questions about the accuracy of their proposed solutions.

The RN has consistently called for tax cuts on energy, a position amplified by Bardella in early March. Le Pen recently escalated the rhetoric, alleging that the state is benefiting from increased tax revenue due to higher prices. Speaking after a meeting of Assembly group presidents on March 24th, Le Pen asserted that state coffers were filling with “undue revenue,” exceeding budgetary projections due to the correlation between rising prices and increased taxes. She specifically pointed to increases in revenue from the Taxe Intérieure de Consommation sur les Produits Énergétiques (TICPE) and Value Added Tax (VAT).

The Nuances of State Revenue and Energy Prices

However, this assessment is largely contested by economic experts. The core of the disagreement lies in the mechanics of how France’s energy taxation system operates. While it’s true that state revenue increases when fuel prices rise, the extent to which the state “profits” is significantly less than suggested by Le Pen’s claims. According to Eric Dor, director of economic studies at IESEG School of Management, only a portion of the increase in revenue actually benefits the state.

Specifically, only the VAT – currently set at 20% on petroleum products – increases proportionally with rising fuel prices. The TICPE, a fixed tax on energy products, remains constant regardless of price fluctuations. “In other words, only a modest part of the increase actually benefits the state,” Dor explained. This distinction is crucial, as it demonstrates that the state isn’t automatically gaining from the crisis, but rather collecting a higher percentage of tax on a more expensive commodity.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that increased revenue is often offset by other economic factors. For example, higher energy prices can lead to decreased consumer spending in other sectors, potentially impacting overall tax revenue. The government may implement measures to mitigate the impact of rising prices, such as subsidies or tax breaks, which would further reduce any potential “profit.”

Bardella’s Position and Loyalty to Le Pen

This debate unfolds against a backdrop of internal dynamics within the RN. Jordan Bardella, who assumed the presidency of the party in 2022, has consistently affirmed his loyalty to Marine Le Pen, even as she faces potential legal challenges that could prevent her from participating in the 2027 presidential election. On December 12th, Bardella publicly reiterated his unwavering support for Le Pen, stating he would “fight alongside” her to prove her innocence in a case involving the alleged misuse of European Parliament funds.

Bardella’s commitment is significant, as he is widely seen as Le Pen’s designated successor. He emphasized that his primary goal is to bring the RN to power, and that he would campaign alongside Le Pen, even if she were legally barred from running. He went so far as to call it a “democratic scandal” if Le Pen were prevented from competing in the presidential race. A recent poll reportedly shows Bardella as a potential frontrunner in the 2027 election, surpassing other potential candidates.

The RN’s strategy appears to be a two-pronged approach: capitalizing on public discontent over the cost of living while simultaneously defending its leader. By focusing on issues like energy prices, the party aims to appeal to a broader base of voters, including those who may not traditionally support far-right ideologies. However, the accuracy of their economic arguments remains a point of contention.

The Broader Political Context

The RN’s focus on energy prices is part of a larger trend of populist parties across Europe leveraging economic anxieties to gain political traction. Rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability have created a fertile ground for parties promising simple solutions to complex problems. However, critics argue that these solutions are often based on flawed economic reasoning and can have unintended consequences.

The situation in France is particularly sensitive given the upcoming presidential election in 2027. Le Pen has been a consistent contender in previous elections, and the RN is hoping to build on its recent gains in local elections to mount a serious challenge. The party’s ability to effectively address economic concerns, and to do so with factual accuracy, will be crucial to its success.

As of March 26, 2026, the situation remains fluid. The war in Iran continues to impact global energy markets, and the French government is grappling with how to mitigate the impact on consumers. The RN, under the leadership of Bardella, is likely to continue to push its agenda of tax cuts and state intervention, but its claims will likely face continued scrutiny from economists and political opponents.

The next key date to watch is the summer of 2026, when Marine Le Pen’s appeal regarding her ineligibility will be decided. The outcome of this legal battle will significantly shape the future of the RN and the French political landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Marine Le Pen’s claims that the French state is “profiting” from the energy crisis are disputed by economists.
• The state’s revenue increase is primarily due to VAT on fuel, not the fixed TICPE tax.
• Jordan Bardella has reaffirmed his loyalty to Le Pen, positioning himself as her potential successor.
• The RN is capitalizing on economic anxieties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.