EU braces for the nightmare scenario — a Eurosceptic France

National Rally win may hamper bloc’s ability to get things done and pose existential question over French role

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, left, attends a press conference by far-right National Rally party president Jordan Bardella in Paris. 

On the night her party swept to a crushing victory in European elections and France’s president triggered a political earthquake by dissolving parliament, Marine Le Pen, the longtime leader of the National Rally (RN), could not have been much clearer.

“Tonight’s message — including the dissolution — is also addressed to the leaders in Brussels,” she said. “This great victory for patriotic movements is in alignment with the direction of history … We are ready to take power if the people so wish.”