Opposition parties have expressed outrage over French President Emmanuel Macron’s interview on TF1 and France 2, just three days before the European elections. They unanimously condemned the interview and filed a complaint with the regulatory authority earlier in the week. Eric Ciotti, the president of The Republicans (LR), criticized the media presence of the President and Prime Minister during a meeting in Le Cannet. He accused the government of deploying unequal and massive resources, with Macron monopolizing airtime and hijacking the election campaign shamelessly.
Marine Le Pen also criticized the interview and joked on BFM-TV that the more Macron speaks, the more support he gives to the National Rally (RN) list. She accused Macron of manipulating public opinion with the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to France just days before the election. The head of the Socialist Party and Place publique list, Raphaël Glucksmann, lamented the executive branch’s continuous attempt to influence the elections. The Regulatory Authority of the Audiovisual Communication (Arcom) responded to the opposition’s concerns by reminding TV channels to strictly adhere to the rules on equal airtime allocation.
The Arcom issued a statement on Tuesday calling for the channels to adhere to the rules on airtime allocation. They warned that any statements made during the interview may impact the airtime allocation for Valérie Hayer’s presidential camp list. The regulatory body emphasized the need for other candidates to have fair access to airtime in return. The opposition criticized Macron’s continued presence in the media, accusing him of trying to dominate the election campaign and manipulate public opinion. The opposition parties have filed a complaint with the Regulatory Authority, denouncing what they see as unfair advantages given to the President and his party in the final days leading up to the elections.
The opposition’s criticism of Macron’s interview comes as the election campaign nears its end. The President’s media presence and actions, including the hosting of foreign leaders in France just before the elections, have been seen as attempts to sway public opinion and gain an advantage in the electoral process. The Republican Party and other opposition parties have accused Macron of unfairly monopolizing airtime and resources, giving his party an unfair advantage in the upcoming elections. The Regulatory Authority has warned TV channels to ensure fair airtime distribution for all candidates, in line with election regulations and the principle of equal opportunity.
The controversy surrounding Macron’s interview has become a focal point for opposition parties in the lead-up to the European elections. Accusations of media manipulation and unequal access to airtime have raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. The opposition’s decision to file a complaint with the Regulatory Authority highlights their dissatisfaction with the current situation and their commitment to ensuring fair play in the electoral process. The President’s actions and media presence have come under scrutiny, with critics questioning the motives behind his interview and the timing of foreign visits just before the elections. As the campaign enters its final days, the opposition’s response to Macron’s interview underscores the tensions and challenges facing the political landscape in France.
