French opposition leader slams €18B Ukraine loan

Jordan Bardella, head of France's National Rally party, has sharply criticized the government's plan to contribute €18 billion to a €90 billion European loan for Ukraine. He argued that authorities are telling the French public there is no money to build hospitals or increase purchasing power, yet funds are "magically" available for foreign aid. Bardella stated the country's priority should be reducing taxes and supporting citizens domestically, rather than increasing external expenditures. He also linked economic struggles to American intervention in the Middle East and called for restoring France's sovereignty and energy independence. The loan package had been blocked by Hungary, but the newly elected pro-European Tisa party leader has indicated he will not obstruct the funding.