France's Le Pen calls for Euroskeptics to unite

National Front leader says anti-EU forces fight for democracy

(ANSA) - Paris, March 24 - Marine Le Pen, leader of the right-wing National Front in France, told ANSA Monday that she is calling on all Euroskeptics to unite against European Union forces, particularly in the May election campaign for the European Parliament. She spoke after her party did better than expected in French local elections one day earlier." I call on all the Eurosceptic forces in Europe to form an alliance in defense of national States, the return of democracy, the sovereignty of peoples and national identities," she said in an interview.

At the same time, the head of Italy's right-wing Northern League said that he was confident pro-European forces are running scared of the Euroskeptics. "The dinosaurs and Euro-bureaucrats are afraid! A wind of freedom is blowing from France," said Matteo Salvini, referring to Le Pen's party victory on the weekend.

"(European Parliament elections) will be a nightmare for Merkel, Napolitano, and every fan of the euro. A different Europe is possible," said Salvini in a statement on Facebook. With anti-austerity rancor running high across Europe, parties such as the Northern League and the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement founded by comedian Beppe Grillo are expected to do well at European elections on May 25. Le Pen told ANSA that Grillo does not like her, even though their political parties share many beliefs including opposition to the single currency, the euro.

But, she added, a key difference is that unlike the National Front, Grillo spends his energy criticizing without "assuming responsibility" for proposing a better political course. "Frankly, I do not understand the hate Grillo has for me," she said.