French presidential candidates gather for first debate as left-right divide emerges on economic issues
Seven presidential hopefuls debated their positions on taxes, pensions, debt and labor costs on Thursday at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, at the invitation of France's largest employers' federation.
Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen sought to win over French business leaders during the first debate with rival candidates on Thursday. The debate, organized by the main business lobby MEDEF, began with the candidates smiling and shaking hands, but quickly turned more contentious as they accused each other of making dangerous proposals regarding debt and pensions.
Le Pen proposed that the government drastically cut spending to address France's financial troubles, while Melenchon and Philippe suggested alternative solutions. Business leaders expressed scepticism about Le Pen's economic plans, with polls indicating she is likely to win the first round of the election in April and potentially face off against Melenchon in the run-off.
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- Le Pen seeks to woo French business leaders at first presidential debate dailymaverick.co.za
