Emmanuel Macron has unveiled his strategy to thwart far-right influence in European elections, emphasizing a "common sense" France. The French president aims to address concerns of low- to middle-income voters, focusing on law and order, education, and pro-business policies.
Macron proposes regulating French children's screen time, exploring compulsory school uniforms in about 100 schools, and considering national anthem education for primary schoolchildren. He stresses the need for clear guidelines from scientific experts on screen use for young children, though specifics on age and restrictions remain undetermined.
To counter Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally, Macron plans tax cuts for middle-earners and initiatives to support French workers with modest salaries. Acknowledging a blind spot in state aid, he aims to appeal to those earning too much for assistance but struggling to live comfortably.
In response to France's declining birthrate, Macron intends to establish a national program combating infertility and reshape parental leave for improved pay over six months. While countering Le Pen's party, he criticizes its lack of a viable manifesto and accuses it of spreading "easy anger."
Macron expresses "no regret" over defending actor Gérard Depardieu amid a rape investigation but acknowledges the importance of prioritizing the words of victims of violence.
Additionally, Macron plans to travel to Ukraine in February to finalize a bilateral security guarantee deal, delivering sophisticated weaponry, including Scalp long-range missiles and bombs, to strengthen Ukraine's defenses against Russia. He asserts the necessity of preventing Russia from defeating Ukraine for the security of Europe.