French Presidential Race Heats Up: Seven Candidates Debate Economy and Migration

The French presidential election campaign intensified Thursday as seven candidates gathered for their first public debate, hosted by a business association at the Roland Garros tennis stadium in Paris. The discussion centered on the country's economic recovery and migration policies, though the final roster of candidates remains uncertain for the election scheduled for April 18, 2027.

“

Otherwise, we will fall into recession. You will be surprised if you do not distribute prosperity more fairly.

The debate revealed sharp ideological divides. Left-populist Jean-Luc Mélenchon argued for raising salaries and the minimum wage, warning of a potential recession if prosperity is not distributed more equitably. Conversely, right-populist Marine Le Pen unveiled an austerity plan totaling €125 billion, which included reducing France's net contribution to the EU budget from nearly €8 billion in 2024 to under €5 billion. Le Pen also linked immigration to the strain on the social system.

Le Pen's remarks drew sharp criticism from center-right candidate Gabriel Attal, who quipped, "Le Pen, it's always the same: Subject, Verb, Immigration." Attal advocated for applying the expedited reconstruction measures used for Notre Dame Cathedral to the entire country. His rival within the same camp, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, called for greater budget discipline, stating, "If we want to preserve our social model and our prosperity, we will have to work longer." Philippe also pledged to bring France's finances into order.

“

Le Pen, it's always the same: Subject, Verb, Immigration.

Social Democrat Raphaël Glucksmann expressed surprise that two former prime ministers under Emmanuel Macron were lecturing on debt. He proposed increasing inheritance taxes and making the ecological transition a central pillar of his program. Green candidate Marine Tondelier, who is eight months pregnant, urged a more decisive adaptation to climate change impacts, noting, "A day with a heatwave costs our economy as much as half a day of strikes."

“

If we want to preserve our social model and our prosperity, we will have to work longer. France will also keep its word and put its finances in order.

Several candidates referenced Germany. Le Pen pointed to France's high youth unemployment rate, stating, "In youth employment, we are 15 points behind Germany." Conservative candidate Bruno Retailleau called for the abolition of €40 billion in social contributions, criticizing the state's pre-emptive claim on company profits. Philippe also highlighted comparisons with Germany regarding fiscal policy.

“

I am surprised that two former prime ministers of Emmanuel Macron are giving lessons on debt.