Seven candidates spanning the political spectrum, each seeking to become France’s next president, faced off in a debate hosted by MEDEF, the nation’s largest employer federation, on Thursday.
With under eight months remaining until the presidential election, the economy, pensions and public debt took center stage at the debate held at Roland‑Garros, the venue of the French Open.
The lineup featured two former prime ministers under President Emmanuel Macron — centrist Gabriel Attal and centre‑right figure Édouard Philippe.
Also on stage were hard‑left leader Jean‑Luc Mélenchon, far‑right politician Marine Le Pen, centre‑left MEP Raphaël Glucksmann, conservative Bruno Retailleau, and Green party leader Marine Tondelier.
Although no tennis rackets were present, the candidates vied for the favor of the business leaders in attendance while firmly defending their respective platforms.
Divided stances on Europe
The candidates outlined differing visions for France’s future relationship with Europe.
Mélenchon declared that he would disregard any European directive that runs counter to French interests.
He argued that the EU treaty must be revised, warning that without change France would face political, social and industrial decline, as it lacks the capacity to resist.
Le Pen urged business leaders to cut state and EU spending, proposing to lower France’s contribution to the bloc — currently close to €29 billion for 2026 — by €5 billion.
She also advocated eliminating thousands of EU regulations, saying that whenever the Union imposes a minimum standard, France should exceed it and aim to be the top performer.
Philippe cautioned that China’s competitive edge harms French industry and backed imposing quotas that would require Chinese firms trading with France to manufacture a set share of their goods on French territory.
‘We need to persuade our European allies to adopt a stronger stance toward China and the United States,’ he said.
He also noted that France’s neighbours — Germany, Italy and Spain — are helping to offset the country’s industrial shortcomings.
Glucksmann pushed back, saying he has never heard French business leaders cite German or Dutch competition as their primary concern; instead, everyone points to China, and the next president must take a firm stand in Brussels.
During the debate, Glucksmann also denounced what he labelled Le Pen’s anti‑European stance.
Tackling France’s debt
While the candidates concurred that France — facing one of the Eurozone’s largest budget deficits — is in a tough economic spot, they disagreed on how to address it.
Philippe labelled Mélenchon’s idea to write off a significant portion of France’s public debt as dangerous.
His remarks followed Mélenchon’s renewed call for the French central bank to erase its holdings of French government debt, a point he raised on the campaign trail.
Attal weighed in, asking, ‘You propose to cancel debt while still wanting to raise taxes — is that pure sadism?’
The hard‑left leader pushed back, saying there is room for manoeuvre and accusing his opponents of caricaturing his plan. Mélenchon also warned business leaders that neglecting to raise wages would push France into a recession, telling them, ‘That is your responsibility.’
Le Pen said she would unveil a €125 billion cost‑cutting plan to tackle France’s debt ahead of the upcoming budget debate, which will start once the draft finance bill is presented in the coming weeks.
France’s ongoing pension debate
Candidates also split over the contentious issue of pension reform.
Widespread protests and a political backlash against President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to lift the retirement age from 62 to 64 prompted the National Assembly to suspend pension reform until January 2028.
Consequently, the matter will return to the agenda once the next president takes office.
Tondelier firmly opposed Macron’s plan to raise the retirement age, whereas Mélenchon defended keeping the initial retirement age at 62 and, as soon as feasible, lowering it to 60.
Le Pen advocated returning the retirement age to 62 for most French citizens, while endorsing a retirement age of 60 for those who secured their first significant job at 20 or younger.
Bruno Retailleau, leader and Les Républicains candidate, said he will detail his retirement proposals in the coming days, proposing that the retirement age be linked to life expectancy. He also noted that French workers log three weeks fewer hours annually than many European peers, arguing that increased work is essential for the economy’s health.
Philippe contended that, to close its deficit and debt, France must follow the European consensus — shared by both right‑ and left‑wing governments — of working longer.
On Wednesday, MEDEF chief Patrick Martin urged that the ‘straitjacket’ suffocating France be shattered.
‘How can we not be frustrated by the heavy‑handed control of a government fixated on micromanagement?’ he added.
Martin also criticised the EU, particularly its handling of tariff negotiations with US President Donald Trump, claiming the bloc fell short of its responsibilities and failed to take the required steps.
