Macron strengthens his political position on the eve of the elections

Jeans and hoodies are not included. During the election campaign, French President Emmanuel Macron shared photos of him working at the Elysée Palace at night and on weekends. He focused most of his time on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, avoiding the typical activities of candidates.

If this were an electoral strategy, he seems to be working to strengthen his preferred re-election position and make his rival's mission difficult.

Macron was criticized by other candidates for not participating in the televised debate before the first round scheduled for April 10.

Government officials said Mark Long has answered all questions, including questions about controversial reforms raising the retirement age from 62 to 65, and that he will join soon

He announced earlier this month that he would seek re-election, but has not yet participated in any campaign events.

Recently, in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he promoted a truce and spoke almost daily with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Last week, he brought European Union leaders together at the Palace of Versailles, on the outskirts of Paris, to discuss possible sanctions against Russia. France is the changing president of the Council of the European Union, and Macron plays a key role in coordinating the response of the 27-nation bloc to the aggression.

He will meet US President Joe Biden, who will come to the NATO summit in Brussels next week.

“Obviously, the international situation elevates its position,” said Bernard Sananes, president of the Elabe Institute.

In an interview with the French newspaper L'Opinion, he said: “I feel that in 2017 Macron will be elected for renewal (political) commitments, and in 2022 Macron wants to be elected based on his own experience,” he said, according to a survey. He pointed out that the majority of French citizens believe they are in office, whether they are considering voting or not.

Macron gets 10% points from far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. Both are favorites to advance to the second round as in 2017. According to the survey, Macron also has a chance to win on a decisive lap.

The list of candidates includes right-wing Eric Gemmoor, the far left, Jean-Luc Melenchon, and curator Valerie Pecres.

His rivals accuse Macron of paying too much attention to the situation in Ukraine and of not talking about state issues that could be more problematic.

“He took advantage of the war in Ukraine to surprise France,” explains Le Pen. Because I think France will be of benefit to you.

“When there is a war, we tend to be legalistic,” says Pecres. “People think that way. There's someone in charge. (But) Don't be afraid to change captains on April 11.”

Macron supporters say the situation in Ukraine is linked to issues of national interest addressed in the campaign, such as energy and military policy.

Historian Jean Galigues emphasizes the “influence of unification” around heads of state in war conflicts. Recall that the same thing happened when François Hollande, Macron's predecessor, launched a military operation in Mali to overthrow Islamic militants in power.

Before that, the great historical figures of France showed themselves leaders during the war, from Napoleon to Charles de Gaulle. “Public opinion in France has strong historical roots,” Garrigues told the AP.

He added: “It turns out that Macron's enemies do not have the same experience as ministers and are in fact in a situation of inferiority complex.”

In the polls, what can hurt Macron the most is the low turnout, his supporters do not go to the polls where he thinks victory is guaranteed, believing that those who are angry with him will mobilize It's there.

Macron acknowledged in a video the possibility of his campaign spreading via YouTube: “I want to tell France and its supporters. If they think we've already won, we lose.”