One in four French people, nearly 16 million people, watched yesterday’s two-and-a-half-hour duel between President Emanuel Macron and National Alarm chief Marine Le Pen. For most viewers, Macron won the battle. With his speech, with his style, with his strategy. From the very beginning, on the issue of the “purchasing power of the French”, which Le Pen herself had chosen for the first time in the discussion, Macron managed to destabilize it and then she herself found it difficult to return.
Macron was quick to attack: she spoke of nonsense in her program, saying “it has no beginning and no end”. “Stop confusing everything,” he advised her, while she reciprocated, asking him “to stop teaching”. It thus brought to the surface the great flaw for which the French accuse Macron, arrogance. Nevertheless, according to last night’s poll for the Bfmtv channel, which took place during the televised duel, Macron convinced 59% of the viewers, compared to only 39% for Lepen.
The issue of purchasing power is dominant
On the issue of purchasing power, Marin Lepen mentioned her plan to reduce VAT on energy prices, as well as measures to reduce taxation, such as, among other things, the exemption from income tax for people under 30 years of age. Macron responded with the so-called tariff “shields” he has announced, through checks of 100 euros, for electricity, as well as the so-called “inflation allowance”.
For pensions the battle is being waged for the retirement limit. Will he be 60, 62, or 65 years old? Emanuel Macron has consistently insisted on his program for 65 years. Marin Le Pen wants to keep the current age of 62, but added the possibility for those who start work early, to leave at the age of 60, since they have closed 40 years of work.
Macron advantage in foreign policy as well
In matters of foreign policy and Europe, the president appeared more reassuring to the French. It will continue its cooperation with Germany, as well as its efforts for the energy independence of Europe. At the same time, President Macron has managed to raise doubts about a possible future dependence of Le Pen on Russia, due to a loan he has taken. “When you talk to Russia, you talk to your banker,” he told Le Pen. She, with relative restraint, recalled that she sought a loan in Russia, “because no French bank gave it to her”.
Olympia Tsipira, Paris
Source: Deutsche Welle
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
