France Votes on Macron and Le Pen’s Different Visions
- Ballots to be cast in decisive round of presidential contest
- Rivals diverge over future paths for both France and Europe
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French voters are heading to the polls for the second time in two weeks to conclude a presidential election in which incumbent centrist Emmanuel Macron has the advantage in surveys over nationalist Marine Le Pen.
The candidates’ plans are diametrically opposed. At home, Macron, is sticking to his credo of pro-business overhauls -- including an increase in the retirement age -- to foster more work and make the economy more competitive. Le Pen wants the French to retire even earlier than the current minimum of 62 and promises steep cuts to sales and income taxes to help households.