French presidential candidates clash in first debate over economy and EU

Seven leading candidates in the race to succeed French President Emmanuel Macron clashed in their first debate on Thursday, August 27, 2026, exposing deep divisions over the economy, public debt, and France's relationship with the European Union. The debate, organized by the country's largest employers federation, MEDEF, took place at the Roland Garros complex in Paris and brought together contenders from the hard left to the far right. All participants agreed that France's economy is in a difficult position, citing national statistics that show public debt stood at 3.536 trillion euros, or 117.5% of GDP, at the end of March 2026, with a deficit of about 152.5 billion euros, or 5.