Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron, the two presidential candidates for France’s presidency, met yesterday in televised debate. Four days before the vote, the candidates talked about their ideas about the economy, the European Union, immigration and terrorism.
Macron and Le Pen, as throughout the campaign, held opposite views on topics.
Far right candidate Le Pen said that if she wins, she will directly hold a referendum on France’s exit from the EU. While Macron, the center candidate, though his reserves for EU’s prospects, said France’s future lies within Europe.
Another clash between the candidates was the economy, and particularly Le Pen’s proposal to return the French Franc. She called euro “the currency of bankers, not citizens”. Macron, called Le Pen’s idea absurd and explained why the impact of such an action would be negative for the economy. Also, French citizens themselves in the polls are prominently pro-euro
The parties had different views also on the fight against terrorism. Le Pen accused Macron of having no plans to fight terrorism and protect French citizens. She tried several times to use the fear of citizens from possible terrorist attacks to win votes.
Throughout the debate, Le Pen strongly attacked Macron’s, but opinion leaders argued that Le Pen’s accusations in most cases were unfounded and personal. On the other hand, the media appreciated the serious preparation for all the discussed issues of the Macron candidate.
Citizens , in a direct poll, voted Emmanuel Macron with 63 percent of the vote as the winner of the debate.
The center candidate leads with a large margin in the general polls for winning the presidency.
The elections for President will take place on May 7th.
