France’s big time has arrived, with citizens being called to the polls for the second round of presidential elections and answer a dilemma that seems bigger than ever. Emmanuel Macron or Marin Le Pen?
The outgoing president will look for his second term, something that if it happens will happen for the first time in 20 years, while the far-right candidate wants to become the first woman to sit in the presidency.
The two had met in 2017, but their current rivalry seems more critical, as Macron’s wear gave Lepen the opportunity to think of victory, something that “scares” Europe. In fact, the pivotal role of the elections is shown by the fact that The country’s major newspapers took a clear stand, calling on citizens to vote for Emanuel Macron.
Abstention is also expected to play an important role in the outcome of the electionsas depending on its size, it will shape the probability that the candidate of the extreme right will make the big upset.
It is reminded that in the first round Emanuel Macron garnered 27.84% of the vote, Marin Le Pen garnered 23.15%, with left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Melanson coming in third with just under 22%.
The polls will open at 8:00 (local time), with the first results coming out after 22:00. However, the final results will be announced on Monday. If the difference is small, then it is not ruled out that the competent services will announce the result by Tuesday. The swearing-in ceremony, which promises a change of page in France, will take place on May 13.
What the polls show
Several polling companies predict that Macron will win the second roundwith its lead expanding, after the debate on Holy Wednesday.
However, the outgoing president has warned his supporters against complacency, urging them to vote to secure victory. “Nothing has been decided,” he said.
Analysts say Ms Lepen has softened her stance on a number of issues in recent days in a bid to win over undecided voters. She has promised to rule France “like a mother, with common sense”.
The big issues
The war in Ukraine overshadowed its principles election campaignbut the recent polls show that the cost of living has become the most important issue.
But big issues is health, security, pensions, the environment and migration. In January, the France marked the strongest annual economic growth in half a century, recovering from its shock pandemic of coronavirus. Rising energy costs and rising inflation have hit everyone in the pocket, but purchasing power is generally rising in France.
THE France saw her unemployment to decrease to 7.4%, just above eurozone averagebut close to the goal the president had set when he came to power.
With regard to immigration, the official statistics show that in 2020 lived in France about 6.8 million immigrants. About a third were Europeans, both from European Union countries and from third countries. Overall, the Algerians are the largest foreign community, followed by them Moroccans and Portuguese.
Immigration has been prominent in right-wing candidate campaigns. THE Mr. Lepen proposed a referendum on significant reductions in immigration if he becomes president.
In terms of security, Emanuel Macron has vowed to put thousands more police officers on the streets, following strong criticism from Ms Lepen. Mr Macron says crime has dropped during his presidency.
France has suffered a number of terrorist attacks in recent years, which have heightened the importance of security for many French voters.
The two “gladiators”
Who are and what do the two candidates for the presidency of the French Republic want?
Emanuel Macron
THE Emanuel Macron is a 44-year-old graduate of the French School of Public Administration, Inspector of Public Finance and was a friend of the Socialist politician Jean-Pierre Sevenemann. Under Sarkozy, he co-authored a report on “growth liberalization” and later left the public sector and was an investment adviser at Rothschild & Co.
In 2012 he became Deputy Secretary General of Socialist President François Hollande and in 2014 he was appointed Minister of Economy. He then founded his own movement, the “En Marche!” and was elected President of the Republic in 2017.
Suggests:
-Increasing the legal retirement age to 65
-Increase of teachers’ salaries,
-Increase the purchasing power bonus up to 6,000 euros
– Establishment of proportional representation for the parliamentary elections
Stricter access to residence permits
Inheritance tax reductions
Construction of new nuclear power plants
Abolition of the audiovisual media license fee
Marin Lepen
THE Marin Lepen She is 53 years old and after a short legal career she joined the legal department of Jean-Marie Le Pen’s father’s National Front party. She then began her political rise in the shadows, until she took over the reins of the party in early 2011.
In 2012 she came third in the first round with 17.9% of the vote but managed to qualify for the second round in 2017, with 21.3% of the vote. In the second round he received 33.9%.
He suggests:
-Organizing a referendum on immigration
-Reduction of VAT on energy products from 20% to 5.5%
Exemption of persons under 30 years of age from income tax or corporate tax
-Renationalization of highways and privatization of public service broadcasting
-Introduction of the citizens’ initiative referendum
Establishment of proportional representation in the parliamentary elections
– A € 20 billion health emergency plan
Source: News Beast
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
