The RN leader targets the French President at a nationalist gathering, highlighting security concerns following unrest post-PSG's Champions League win.
Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally (Rassemblement National or RN) and prominent French politician, directed pointed criticisms at President Emmanuel Macron during a gathering of European nationalist leaders in Mormant-sur-Vernisson, Loiret, on June 9, 2025. Speaking to an audience of several thousand supporters in the small commune, Le Pen referenced Macron's social media post celebrating Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) recent victory in the UEFA Champions League.
She quipped, "If I were to suggest a tweet to Emmanuel Macron regarding the current security situation in France, it would be: 'Not a champion, my brother.'" This remark was aimed at mocking Macron's leadership capabilities in light of recent civil unrest.
Le Pen continued her criticism by questioning Macron's ability to manage the chaos that erupted in Paris following PSG's victory over Inter Milan, which resulted in significant violence in popular areas such as the Champs-Élysées.
On May 31, the celebrations devolved into unrest, leading to two fatalities, nearly 700 fires set, and hundreds of arrests.
Le Pen prompted further skepticism about Macron's credibility when she remarked, "Who can seriously believe that Emmanuel Macron’s France can wage war when he is already incapable of controlling the chaos occurring just 200 meters from the Élysée on match nights?"
During the event, attended by notable European nationalists including Hungarian Prime Minister
Viktor Orban and Spanish party leader Santiago Abascal from Vox, Le Pen dismissed Macron's assertive foreign policy stances as "tartarinesque postures." She argued that the internal security issues, such as drug trafficking controlling large areas of France and unchecked violence, undermine Europe’s stability and Macron's international declaration of intent in conflicts like the one in Ukraine.
The aftermath of the PSG celebration raised questions regarding public safety and governmental efficacy, continuing to fuel political discourse in France.
As such incidents have prompted various responses aimed at addressing security and public order, they reflect broader societal tensions in the context of national governance.