In many ways, the struggle for Macron to win more voters in Marseille reflects the broader issues that have hindered his campaign and presented opportunities for his challenger.
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during an election campaign event in Marseille on April 16. MARSEILLE, France — Eight days before the decisive final round of the French presidential election, President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday appealed to voters to prevent a far-right victory by Marine Le Pen that would upend Europe. “Choose your enemies!” he told supporters at a rally in Marseille, the second-largest city in France.
Macron, 44, remains the front-runner to win the second round of the French vote next Sunday, which would mark the first reelection of an incumbent French president since 2002. But Le Pen now appears closer to the presidency than ever before. His victory against Le Pen in 2017 came shortly after the United States had elected Donald Trump and Britain had voted to leave the European Union. In France and elsewhere, many voters hoped the election of Macron would mark the end of a nationalist streak.
In his speeches over the past five years, Macron has often emphasized national unity, equality and prosperity, themes he returned to in his Saturday event overlooking the old port in Marseille.