Seven of France’s leading presidential hopefuls face off in their first televised debate as the race to succeed President Emmanuel Macron tightens ahead of the 2027 election. The debate takes place eight months before voters choose the next French leader, with Macron barred from serving again after completing two consecutive terms.
Across coverage, candidates are described as arguing sharply over the direction of France’s economic policy and the country’s relationship with the European Union. Reporting highlights disagreements on the economy, France’s public debt levels, and how France should position itself within the EU. While outlets broadly agree on the setting and the central themes, they emphasize different issue framing, including how the debate exposes competing economic plans and differing EU stances.
