Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally (RN) party in France, criticized the government for its revised economic growth forecast for 2026, calling it an admission of failure and helplessness. The French government, after consulting with the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), has significantly lowered its growth projection for the year. Previously, it had expected the economy to grow by 0.7%, but now it anticipates a much slower growth of just 0.5%. Bardella argued that this downward revision reflects the government's inability to address ongoing economic challenges. The revised forecast comes amid several ongoing issues affecting the French economy. Energy prices have risen sharply in recent years, increasing costs for households and businesses. At the same time, investment in key sectors has declined, and extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, have disrupted agricultural and industrial activities. These factors have combined to create a difficult economic climate, leading to the government’s more pessimistic outlook. Bardella also expressed frustration with President Emmanuel Macron’s economic policies, stating that "Macronism will have been another form of worse socialism." This comment reflects the National Rally’s broader critique of Macron’s approach, which they argue has not adequately addressed the country's economic and social challenges. Bardella reiterated that the government's revised growth forecast underscores the severity of the current situation and the need for a new direction. Looking ahead, Bardella promised that if the National Rally wins the next presidential election in 2027, it will carry out "the largest ever public finance cleanup operation." This pledge is part of the party's broader platform, which focuses on reducing public spending, reforming the economy, and addressing what it sees as the failures of the current government. The party’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility and economic restructuring contrasts sharply with the current administration’s policies.