Frontrunner attacks Le Pen

– French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron attacked far-right leader Marine Le Pen over her economic policy and plans to scrap the euro on Tuesday in an unprecedented debate between all 11 contenders ahead of this month’s election.

“What you are proposing, Madame Le Pen, is a reduction in French people’s spending power because, by withdrawing from the euro, for savers, workers, it’s a reduction in spending power,” he said.

Polls show only a third of French voters support scrapping the euro, many of them anxious about a devaluation which would hit savings and spur inflation.

The clash and Macron’s more combative performance point to the tone and shape of the campaign ahead, with Macron and Le Pen now the clear frontrunners.

Macron accused her of wanting to start an “economic war” with France’s neighbours and denounced her nationalist stance.

With 19 days until the first round of voting in a roller-coaster contest, the debate could influence the momentum of the campaign, with around a third of voters still unsure of how they will vote.

Polls show far-right candidate Le Pen and centrist independent Macron in a dead heat at 25% heading into the first round on April 23.

Macron is seen easily winning the second round on May 7. –