Macron set for win in first poll

Emmanuel Macron pledged further tax cuts, reforms to the welfare system and major public investments as he unveiled his manifesto less than a month out from the presidential elections.

The 44-year-old had delayed confirming his intention to seek a second term until March 3 and had been at the heart of Western diplomatic efforts to prevent Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking for four hours at his first major campaign event, he announced a program aimed at deepening pro-business reforms started in 2017 to reduce chronically high unemployment in France.

“We have to work more,” he told some 300 journalists gathered at a venue in a northern Paris suburb, in front of giant screens showing his slogan “With You”.

In the most recent voter surveys, Mr Macron has gained five to six points over the past month and appears on course to win the first round of the election on April 10.