Marine Le Pen 'wished' for economic advisor's departure from RN campaign

Marine Le Pen has stated that she "wished for" the departure of François Durvye, a key economic advisor for the National Rally (RN), and does not regret his decision to leave the party's presidential campaign.

Durvye, who served as a special economic advisor to the RN president, reportedly left the campaign shortly after the first presidential debate organized by Medef. Le Pen, speaking to BFMTV, downplayed the significance of his departure, stating, "I wished for it, so I do not regret it." She indicated a reluctance to elaborate further on the matter.

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I wished for it, so I do not regret it.

Despite Durvye's strategic role in connecting the RN with business communities and facilitating its normalization among entrepreneurs, Le Pen maintained a composed stance. She emphasized that the party "will continue to have many contacts with business leaders" because they are "important in our country for wealth creation." Le Pen linked this wealth creation to the necessity of maintaining an efficient social welfare system.

Sources suggest Durvye's departure may stem from strategic or ideological differences, particularly concerning economic policy. He was reportedly more aligned with a pro-business approach, similar to RN president Jordan Bardella, and had previously suggested reforms that might have conflicted with the party's stance on retirement age, a sensitive issue for many RN cadres. Le Pen has consistently championed maintaining the legal retirement age at 62.

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We have many contacts with business leaders and we will continue to do so because they are important in our country for wealth creation.