Key economic advisor quits Marine Le Pen's campaign team

François Durvye, a key economic advisor to Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN), has stepped down from his role in her presidential campaign, citing a desire to avoid defending economic policies he does not personally endorse. The decision comes less than eight months before the election, marking a significant setback for the nationalist party.

Durvye, a 43-year-old liberal polytechnician, joined the RN less than five months ago with the stated aim of building bridges between the economic world and the party. He had been advising Le Pen on economic matters since 2021. His departure, revealed by Le Figaro, occurred during the summer, just before the political season intensified.

The timing of Durvye's exit is notable, coinciding with the Medef's (the French employers' association) kickoff of the presidential election season. This event featured a debate where many candidates engaged with business leaders.

Durvye's decision to leave suggests a potential disconnect between his economic views and the RN's platform. He reportedly sought to bring a specific line of economic reflection to the party, but it appears this approach may not have aligned with the campaign's direction or his personal convictions.