Marine Le Pen proposes allowing private loans for presidential candidates after banks refuse funding

Marine Le Pen, who leads the polls for the 2027 presidential race, has been unable to secure financing from any French bank for her campaign. In response, she suggested that the most rapid solution would be to legalise private loans to candidates, a practice permitted in other French elections. Speaking at the Sommet de l'élevage near Clermont-Ferrand, Le Pen said the measure would be simple to implement but would need a legislative amendment, as the presidential election is the only contest where such loans are prohibited.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu previously expressed a desire for all candidates to access French financing, regardless of party. Le Pen also highlighted that the National Rally has previously relied on private loans, which now contribute to its debt burden and limit its resources for the upcoming vote.