Presidential Candidates in France Gather for First Debate Centered on the Economy
With France approaching its presidential election, seven candidates discussed the economy, public debt, and pension reform at an event organized by MEDEF.
Seven political candidates competing for France's upcoming presidential election gathered at Roland-Garros during the first debate program organized by the employers' organization MEDEF, sharing their economic policies and reform proposals.
MEDEF Meeting
With less than eight months until the presidential election, seven political candidates from different political spectrums faced off for the first time on Thursday at the event held at Roland-Garros.
Participating Politicians
In addition to centrist figures such as Gabriel Attal and Édouard Philippe, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Marine Le Pen, Raphaël Glucksmann, Bruno Retailleau, and Marine Tondelier attended the debate program.
Europe and Foreign Trade
While candidates defended differing views on European Union relations, Édouard Philippe stated that he supported imposing quotas on Chinese companies.
Public Debt Solutions
On the issue of high budget deficits and public debt, Mélenchon advocated for debt cancellation, while Marine Le Pen stated she would announce a 125 billion euro savings plan.
Pension Reform Debates
Opposing an increase in the retirement age, Tondelier and Mélenchon proposed lowering the age limit, whereas Retailleau and Philippe advocated for increasing the duration of employment.