French presidential candidates gather for first debate as left-right divide emerges on economic issues

**French Presidential Candidates Hold First Debate on Economic Policy**

*Paris, 28 August 2026* – Seven candidates vying for the French presidency participated in a televised debate on Thursday at the Roland‑Garros stadium in Paris. The event, organized at the invitation of France’s largest employers’ federation, the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), focused on core economic issues ahead of the upcoming election.

The candidates addressed a range of topics, including tax policy, pension reform, public debt, and labour‑cost measures. Throughout the discussion, clear divisions emerged along traditional left‑right lines. Candidates on the left advocated for higher taxes on the wealthy and expanded social protections, while those on the right emphasized fiscal restraint, reductions in public spending, and reforms aimed at lowering labour costs.

The debate marked the first collective appearance of the presidential hopefuls on a national platform dedicated solely to economic policy. Organizers said the forum was intended to give voters a direct comparison of the contenders’ approaches to managing France’s fiscal challenges.

No further details on individual statements or policy proposals were released in the initial report. The debate is expected to influence public opinion as the campaign progresses toward the first round of voting.

Article and image source: lemonde.fr