Macron denies political tie-up after Sarkozy's backing
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PARIS • French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday denied that there was any wider political agreement with former conservative president Nicolas Sarkozy over his endorsement of Mr Macron ahead of a second round of the presidential election on April 24.
French media has speculated that Mr Macron, who will need a new majority after legislative elections later this year following the presidential vote, obtained Mr Sarkozy's endorsement after offering political influence in return.
"There was no agreement," Mr Macron told France 2 television, a day after Mr Sarkozy endorsed him.
Mr Macron is facing a tight race against far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. Although Mr Sarkozy's endorsement will help Mr Macron attract voters who backed the conservatives' candidate Valerie Pecresse in the first round of the election, it could also deter left-wing voters who will see it as confirmation that Mr Macron is as right wing as Mr Sarkozy.
Mr Sarkozy, 67, is France's last conservative president and is still seen as an influential figure in the centre-right Les Republicains party. However, the very existence of Les Republicains now appears under threat after many of its voters backed Mr Macron or Ms Le Pen in Sunday's first round.
Mr Macron yesterday also said that he was ready to forge new political alliances in order to continue reforming France.
"The fractures we have in the country will require me not only to obtain a majority but also to rally all those political forces behind me that don't totally share my views on all topics but would be open to work with me on some reforms," Mr Macron said.
"I'm not talking about coalitions," he added, saying that such cross-party arrangements were not suitable for France's presidential political system.
Mr Macron is slightly ahead in the polls, but prior to Sunday's first round, Ms Le Pen successfully tapped into anger over the cost of living and a perception that Mr Macron is disconnected from daily hardships, and she has continued to press on those points.
REUTERS
