France: Macron is EU-minded and non-partisan - Rabobank

The research team at Rabobank explains that the French presidential candidate Macron is 39-year old independent candidate, who is the surprise of these elections and he is internationally and EU-minded and non-partisan.

Key Quotes

“He believes France has to be a credible partner as a prerequisite to further working together with Germany. His economic reform plan rests on three pillars: a cut in public spending, “more just” fiscal policy and a EUR50 billion investment plan. He promises to reform the labour market by allowing more firm-based collective bargaining as well as lowering social charges.”

“In addition, though, he proposes a universal unemployment benefit that is conditional on active participation. He leaves the current retirement age of 62 intact and is keen to invest heavily in education. He is also firmly in favour of further free trade agreements and EU integration. This could provide new impetus to the European project. As such, financial markets may welcome his election. But the fact that, as an independent, he is very unlikely to achieve a majority in the French parliament after June’s elections means France’s structural problems and economic setbacks will not be resolved any time soon.”