Thomas Ménagé, a deputy from the Loiret department and spokesperson for the National Rally (RN), participated in a live television interview on the "8h30 franceinfo" program on Saturday, September 12, 2026. During the interview, he discussed several key issues, including rising fuel prices, the government's budget, and the upcoming presidential elections. Ménagé highlighted the growing public frustration over the steep increase in fuel prices, which had reached around 2.20 euros per liter and were expected to climb to 2.50 euros within a month. He called the situation "never seen before" and acknowledged the calls for mobilization from various political figures, including Fabien Roussel, the general secretary of the Communist Party and a presidential candidate. Ménagé proposed reducing taxes on fuel, noting that 50% of the price of a full tank is attributed to taxation. He suggested lowering the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel, which would cost the government approximately 12 billion euros, but emphasized that similar measures have been taken in other countries. The National Rally is also making a political comeback, with Marine Le Pen set to deliver a speech in her traditional stronghold, Hénin-Beaumont, and other party members re-engaging in political life. Ménagé noted that the party is facing criticism from its opponents, especially over the recent proposal to ban the wearing of the Islamic veil. He claimed the proposal was supported by the Muslim Brotherhood and stated that the measure would be debated in Parliament and then put to a public referendum. In response to accusations of racism, Ménagé defended the party's position. He referenced Louis Alliot, another RN member, who claimed that racists exist "in all political parties." Ménagé argued against allegations of racism, pointing out that the party has 150,000 members and that critics do not know the personal lives or statements of all members. He also noted that Alliot described a recent incident involving a police officer in Carcassonne as "an isolated case." Ménagé emphasized that such incidents should not be used to generalize about the party's stance or its members.