Ukraine War Dominates French Election, That Helps Macron’s Chances

Emmanuel Macron’s outreach to Vladimir Putin didn’t help avert a war in Ukraine, but his diplomatic efforts have kept him above the fray as France’s presidential election approaches, and that is bolstering his chances. 

From Eric Zemmour on the far right to Jean-Luc Melenchon on the far left, rivals are accusing Macron of being naive for ever believing Putin was someone he could reason with. And they’re trying to focus the national debate on key issues like climate change, purchase power and crime. Ukraine, though, is what’s capturing voters’ attention right now.