Seven key candidates from across the political spectrum vying to become France’s next president clashed in a debate hosted by the MEDEF, the country’s largest employer federation, on Thursday.
Less than eight months ahead of the presidential election, the economy, pensions and public debt dominated the debate held at Roland-Garros, the home of the French open.
The seven candidates included two of French President Emmanuel Macron’s former prime ministers, centrist Gabriel Attal and centre-right figure Edouard Philippe.
Divisive figures such as hard-left leader Jean Luc Mélenchon, as well as far-right politician Marine Le Pen were present, alongside centre-left MEP Raphaël Glucksmann, conservative Bruno Retailleau and Green party leader Marine Tondelier.
With no tennis rackets in sight, candidates went to differing lengths to win over the business leaders in the room, while also staunchly defending their political platforms and projects.
