+34
The public mood in France is running against Macron’s centrist economic and social policies
The public mood in France is running against Macron’s centrist economic and social policies President of the far-right Rassemblement National parliamentary group and 2027 French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen at the end of her rally in northern France, on Sunday.
The French presidential elections are underway after the summer break, with the first debate among prospective candidates and Marine le Pen launching her campaign on Sunday. Whoever wins on May 2nd next year to succeed President Emmanuel Macron faces major challenges domestically and crucial decisions about what direction France will follow in the EU and internationally.
The public mood in France is not inclined to deliver a result in continuity with Macron’s centrist economic and social policies, according to opinion polls. They put Le Pen’s radical right-wing National Rally party in a solidly leading position, with the radical left-wing Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed party most likely to face her in the final runoff vote.
If these two do indeed come through the first round on April 18th, France faces a stark choice, either of which would break decisively with the recent past. Candidates from the centre, centre left and centre right are jostling for position to prevent that. None of them so far looks like establishing a decisive advantage which could challenge Mélenchon’s early prominence.
Major domestic issues concern the state of the economy, France’s high debt levels, immigration, cultural rights for France’s large Muslim minority, pensions and welfare entitlements. Many of these are closely entwined with France’s leading role in the EU, strongly projected by Macron who supports an assertion of European sovereignty in security and defence as the Trump administration fundamentally disrupts transatlantic relations. Can I request a price reduction if a property’s floor area was incorrectly advertised?
‘I’m picturing Galway’: introducing Cork to a teenager in 48 hours Radical plans from Le Pen or Mélenchon – were either to win – would be highly disruptive for the EU in its strategic choice on these issues. Le Pen has promised a “national preference”, giving French people priority in key areas.
The far right Alternative for Germany party’s victory in the Saxony-Anhalt election – and the strong showing by the right in Sweden’s election – strongly reinforces the belief that the French election matters for all other Europeans too. Knee surgery patient wakes up to €3,000 bill after change made during procedure‘World’s largest’ betting website closed to Irish customersDonald Trump says attempts to limit artificial intelligence are part of ‘sick conspiracy’
Please follow us on Google to support usIreland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US President Trump Visits Ireland for Irish Open and Meets with Irish TaoiseachThe U.S. president Trump spent a weekend in Ireland to watch the final round of the Amgen Irish Open. He hosted the trophy presentation at Doonbeg and met the Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin. A substantial security operation was brought to bear, and the visit attracted political commentary particularly regarding the United States stance on a united Ireland. The event was marked as a blend of sport, diplomacy and political observation
Read more »
The Irish Times view on the Trump visit: diplomacy takes second placeThe US president’s comments on a united Ireland grabbed attention
Read more »
Pension coverage concerns and Lowry’s business interestsThe best news, analysis and comment from The Irish Times business desk
Read more »
Trump proposes removal of US tariff on Irish whiskeyUS President Donald Trump announced that the 10 per cent tariff on Irish whiskey entering the United States would be lifted, offering relief to Irish distillers who had faced a disadvantage compared to whisky from the UK and other European nations. The decision follows lobbying efforts and was welcomed by Irish whiskey associations as a boost to a €450 million export market. The announcement was made during the final day of the Irish Open in Doonbeg, with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin present.
Read more »