Marine Le Pen, the far-right candidate in the 2027 French presidential elections, has responded to rumors circulating on social media regarding a promised referendum on leaving the European Union (Frexit). These rumors have mostly been published in Spanish and provide no details, indicating that these claims are false. Le Pen has explicitly stated that she does not intend to hold a Frexit referendum if she wins the election.
Change in Le Pen's Position
Le Pen, as a staunch critic of the European Union, had previously supported the idea of leaving this bloc and celebrated the Brexit victory in 2016. She also referred to leaving the Union and abandoning the euro as two main proposals in her presidential campaigns in 2012 and 2017. However, in the 2022 elections, she emphasized radical reforms within the European Union instead of these positions, calling for a reduction of Brussels' power and transforming the bloc into a looser alliance of independent countries.
Read more: Cancellation of Olaf Scholz's Trip to America Amid Rising Political Tensions in Germany
Impacts on Future Elections
Le Pen's change in position actually reflects a broader trend among far-right parties across Europe. Before the Brexit vote, right-wing politicians in various countries, including the Netherlands and Italy, regularly called for similar referendums, but these demands have generally decreased now. However, Geert Wilders, the leader of the Dutch Freedom Party, reiterated his call on Wednesday to review the Netherlands' membership in the European Union, telling Dutch representatives that "Nexit" is necessary to prevent the entry of migrants and refugees into the country.
Even if Le Pen is elected president and holds a Frexit referendum, her chances of winning are slim. A survey conducted this year by the Pew Research Center showed that support for the European Union in France has increased from 38% in 2016 to 52% in 2026. A similar increase has been observed in other parts of Europe, including the UK. A YouGov poll from late 2025 indicated that 49% of French respondents would vote to remain in the European Union, while 27% would vote to leave.
While a Frexit referendum is currently not on the agenda, Le Pen, who is leading in first-round polls with about 33% to 36%, has suggested that if she wins the election, she would put other issues to a public vote. This may have fueled online rumors about a European Union referendum. Her proposals include holding a referendum to address what she calls "Islamic ideologies," including banning the wearing of hijabs in public places and voting on amending the French constitution to limit immigration.
The Nationalists have not responded to requests for comment on this matter.
Read more: Canada to be Recognized as the First 'Associated Member' of the European Union · Roberta Metsola: Australia and New Zealand Can Join as Associated Members of the European Union
