The Local: Six Challenges Facing France’s New President Emmanuel Macron

Emanuel Macron, 39, won the French presidential election over Marine Le Pen, 65-35 percent. Macron, a former banker, supports France’s membership in the European Union, maintaining that globalization can be embraced and controlled. Le Pen is a fierce opponent to EU integration and immigration. Neither candidate represents mainstream political parties, offering voters a distinctive choice that demonstrates a stark divide: urban versus rural, affluent versus unemployed, explains Elisabeth Beretta for the Local, including analysis from AFP. She adds that Macron must unite the country, reducing corruption and widespread public mistrust for politicians. “Macron wants to cut unemployment to seven percent by 2022 by liberalising employment laws, cutting business rates and loosening restrictions in France's 35-hour working week,” she writes. Macron also seeks to reform EU governance, especially as Britain prepares to leave the Union. He supports European defense and is expected to reinforce borders and prevent Islamic State extremists from entering France. He also supports a budget for the eurozone. His power to make such changes depends on whether he wins a majority in the French legislative elections in June. – YaleGlobal