Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens - GulfToday

Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens

  • 02 Apr 2022
Macron

President Emmanuel Macron

President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday held his first rally of the French election campaign, with far-right rival Marine Le Pen eating into what once seemed his unassailable lead barely a week ahead of the ballot.

The centrist Macron threw his hat into the election ring at the last moment and has been distracted by the war in Ukraine, conducting diplomacy from the Elysee while Le Pen paces the country to discuss basic issues, including purchasing power.

READ MORE

Retreating Russians leave many mines behind: Ukrainian President

US State Depart says two detainees released from Afghanistan

With the first round of elections on April 10 -- followed by a run-off on April 24 -- polls have shown Le Pen comfortably in second place in the initial stage and narrowing the gap on Macron for round two.

Macron's 1230 GMT rally at the indoor La Defense Arena stadium -- a vast venue that usually hosts top-level rugby and rock concerts -- represents a pivotal chance for the president to regain momentum.

"Of course Marine Le Pen can win," Macron's former prime minister Edouard Philippe warned in an interview with the Le Parisien daily posted online Thursday.

Philippe, who is backing Macron, added that "if she wins, believe me, things will be seriously different for the country... Her programme is dangerous."

Related articles

Macron, Le Pen face off in crucial election debate

For Le Pen, who is behind Macron in opinion polls ahead of Sunday's vote, it is all about showing that she has the stature to be president and convincing more voters that they should not fear seeing the far-right in power.

20 Apr 2022

France votes in tense presidential runoff

According to the results of the first round voting on April 10 published by France's Constitutional Council, Macron won 9,783,058 votes, or 27.85 per cent of valid ballots, while Le Pen garnered 8,133,828 ballots, or 23.15 per cent.

24 Apr 2022

Macron’s centrist camp secures 245 out of 577 seats

Macron on Monday was faced with trying to salvage a ruling majority and with it his economic reform agenda after voters punished his centrist 'Ensemble' alliance in France's parliamentary election.

20 Jun 2022

Macron’s domestic woes shine through in snap poll speculation

The vehement denial by French President Emmanuel Macron’s office of a report that he may resign to trigger an early election has done little to quell that rumour.

13 Jun 2020

Most Popular Stories

Other Articles

Israeli minister Ben-Gvir hurt in car accident

Police commissioner Kobi Shabtai told reporters two other people were injured in the incident.

3 hours ago

37 million tonnes of debris in Gaza could take years to clear: UN

Starting from a hypothetical number of 100 trucks, that would take 14 years to clear away, he said. Lodhammar was speaking as UNMAS launched its 2023 annual report on Friday.

3 hours ago

UAE passport is the strongest worldwide, says new study

The passport allows its holder to enter 182 countries without a visa including 124 countries that do not require a visa, 37 countries that require a visa on arrival and 21 countries that require an electronic visa, while only 16 countries require a visa.

5 hours ago

Dubai Customs, Charity Association distribute food supplies to people hit by recent rain

Around 20 volunteers from Dubai Customs, along with volunteers from other entities, participated in the initiative. Food supplies were distributed to 80 households, totalling 1,800 meals for lunch and dinner, covering the areas of Al Quoz and Al Barsha.

6 hours ago