Shortly before the final round of the French presidential election, finalists Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen face each other on television for the first time. Lots of things are fun too.
According to the first polls, President Emmanuel Macron emerged as the winner from the big TV duel before the French elections, with a clear lead over right-wing challenger Marine Le Pen. After the more than two-and-a-half-hour debate on Wednesday evening, two out of three viewers thought the middle politician was the more convincing candidate, according to a survey by the Elabe Institute. It was eagerly awaited whether the two opponents would afford insults and personal attacks, as they did in the duel before the 2017 presidential election. However, the debate remained mostly factual, even if both dealt hard against the opponent.
France election: Sunday is the decisive second round
Why the duel was so important: A rather tight race is predicted for the runoff on Sunday, the electorate is divided and many left-wing voters actually do not want to vote for either of the two. They want a completely different policy. Both applicants compete for this group.
What was at stake: In the 2017 duel, Le Pen had thoroughly embarrassed himself. It was therefore important for them to appear more serious and presidential. She was particularly friendly at the beginning of the duel, beamed into the cameras and did not interrupt Macron. In the debate, Macron had to avoid appearing arrogant and elitist at all costs. Instead of laughing at Le Pen’s answers, he acted serious and mimed the thoughtful listener. He also acknowledged shortcomings during his tenure.
President Macron becomes a meme, Le Pen’s expression becomes election advertising – for the opponent
What the net was interested in: Macron’s listening poses – head propped up, mouth slightly pouting – were converted into a number of memes. Le Pen held up a printed tweet, sparking amusement. The note was immediately redesigned on the social networks and something like “Vote for Macron on Sunday” was written on it.
What the content was about: Eight topics were selected on which Macron and Le Pen should position themselves. The speaking time of the two was meticulously kept in view.
Europe: While Macron committed to Franco-German cooperation and to anchoring France in the European Union, Le Pen made it clear that she wants to fundamentally change the EU. She is concerned with more national competences. Macron accused her of still wanting to leave the EU, but not saying so openly.
Ukraine war: Le Pen and Macron largely agreed that aid should continue to be given to Kyiv. However, Le Pen spoke out against an import ban on Russian gas, while Macron is counting on energy independence from Russia. Macron also accused his opponent of being dependent on Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.
Le Pen cannot score points on her core issue, Macron speaks of “civil war” in the headscarf debate
Environment and energy: France is a nuclear country, Macron spoke out in favor of building more power plants, but at the same time wants to promote renewable energies, especially offshore wind farms. Le Pen, on the other hand, considers wind turbines to be ecologically and economically nonsensical, wants to have existing systems dismantled and relies on nuclear power.
Purchasing Power: The key issue of the election campaign was the lead of the debate. Although Le Pen had skilfully occupied the topic for weeks, she was unable to assert herself clearly against Macron in the debate. Among other things, she proposed a reduction in VAT on energy and the elimination of taxes on 100 basic everyday products. Macron is betting on further reducing unemployment and capping gas and electricity prices.
Controversial topic pensions: From a German perspective, people in France retire comparatively early, Le Pen wants to stick to the retirement age of 62 years. Those who start their careers at a young age should be allowed to retire at 60. Macron wants to raise the retirement age to 65 with a few exceptions. With increasing life expectancy, the pension system must be counter-financed, he argues.
And eternal bickering about the headscarf: in schools and in public administration, the headscarf is banned in France for reasons of neutrality. Le Pen now called for a headscarf ban everywhere in public space. Macron considers this to be incompatible with freedom of religion and the constitution – and fears a civil war if headscarves were actually banned in residential areas.
Big words: “Don’t say stupid things!” and “Don’t teach me lessons!” were just some of the concise sentences that fell in the duel. Both applicants were particularly insistent towards the end. Macron also made the election a vote on Europe, climate, laicism – “so a referendum for or against what we are fundamentally”. Le Pen, on the other hand, promised a “return of common sense” should she win.
Source: Stern
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