The upcoming French elections are heating up as young candidates take center stage, fiercely debating the economy and the rising cost of living. Incumbent Gabriel Attal, from President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party, portrayed his main opponents as threats to economic stability, criticizing their approaches to supporting citizens facing financial challenges.
Attal, aged 35, highlighted his commitment to honesty, stating, \"The difference between my competitors and me is that, as prime minister, I don't want to lie to the French. I don't want to promise them the moon.\" His main rivals, Jordan Bardella of the National Rally at 28 and Manuel Bompard of the New Popular Front, each brought fresh perspectives to the table. Bardella focused on reducing sales tax on energy, lowering the retirement age, and eliminating income tax for those under 30. Meanwhile, Bompard criticized both parties for failing voters, advocating for increased borrowing and higher taxes on the wealthy to fund comprehensive social benefits.
Opinion polls indicate a close race, with the far-right National Rally and the leftist New Popular Front both gaining traction ahead of the two-round election slated for June 30 and July 7. As the candidates vie for leadership, the stakes are high, with Macron warning that a win by either extreme could lead France down a divisive path.
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French election candidates clash over economy and cost of living
cgtn.com
