EU braces for the nightmare scenario- a eurosceptic France

National Rally win may hamper bloc's ability to get things done and pose existential question over French role

On the night her party swept to a crushing victory in European elections and France's president triggered a political earthquake by dissolving parliament, Marine Le Pen, the longtime leader of the National Rally (RN), could not have been much clearer.

Tonight's message - including the dissolution - is also addressed to the leaders in Brussels," she said. This great victory for patriotic movements is in alignment with the direction of history ... We are ready to take power if the people so wish."