With eight months until France’s presidential election, leading candidates presented contrasting economic visions in a heated debate at Roland Garros, addressing concerns over national debt and fiscal strategies.

Seven of France’s top presidential candidates convened at the iconic Roland Garros stadium, repurposed into a political stage by the French employer federation MEDEF. The event underscored the mounting concern over national debt, with candidates laying out fiscal plans before hundreds of economic leaders. The Court Philippe Chatrier scoreboard bore the motto ‘Victory belongs to the most persistent,’ setting the tone for the candidates’ fierce debate.

Marine Le Pen, the far-right candidate leading in polls, surprised attendees by proposing a constitutionally embedded debt brake and unveiling a 125-billion-euro austerity plan. Among her measures was scaling back France’s financial contributions to the European Union, which she criticized for imposing burdensome regulations without sufficient economic benefits. Le Pen’s message resonated with her base but drew sharp responses from rivals, especially as she continues to face scrutiny from past legal troubles related to EU funds.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, far-left advocate Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for a bold approach: writing off portions of France’s debt, particularly those owed to the European Central Bank. While the idea garnered little support among business leaders, it highlighted his broader critique of existing fiscal systems. Meanwhile, centrist candidate Édouard Philippe, a former ally of outgoing President Emmanuel Macron, called for pension reforms and extended working years to curb spending and align with other EU countries. With positions fiercely contested, the debate underscored a pivotal election looming on the horizon.