With France's presidential&nbsp;race&nbsp;tightening ahead of Sunday's first round vote, favourites President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;and&nbsp;far-right challenger Marine&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;battled&nbsp;over&nbsp;pension reform on Monday.

Opinion polls have long predicted&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;will win a second term but&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;has tightened the gap, with polls showing the 44-year old president with only a six-point advantage in a likely run-off on April 24.

Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;has benefited from a campaign focused on purchasing power on which she doubled down on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-holds-first-rally-as-france-election-race-tightens-467714">Emmanuel Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens</a>

"Do you realise what retirement at 65 is? It's simply completely unfair," she told BFM TV, lambasting&nbsp;Macron's plan to increase the&nbsp;legal age at which one gets a full&nbsp;pension from 62 to 65.

Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;wants to keep the 62-year-old threshold and&nbsp;bring it down to 60 for those who started working before age 20. Pushing back the retirement age would hurt workers, she said, arguing that many would not manage to find a job at that age&nbsp;and&nbsp;would see their&nbsp;pension hit as a consequence

Macron, asked about criticism of his&nbsp;pension reform plans, told France Inter radio: "Those who tell you we can keep (the&nbsp;pension system) as it is now are lying to you."

Watch |&nbsp;France presidential elections: Will Macron win re-election bid?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-presidential-elections-will-macron-win-re-election-bid-468123/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Raising the retirement age - with exceptions for those who have tough jobs or worked longer than others - was needed to make the system viable&nbsp;and&nbsp;increase low&nbsp;pensions, he said.

Macron, when he belatedly entered the election campaign last month, said he would increase the retirement age, cut taxes and further loosen labour market rules, seeking a mandate to press on with pro-business reforms.

Stressing his pro-business credentials was not without risk as households feel the squeeze from rising prices&nbsp;and&nbsp;could put off a number of&nbsp;leftwing voters from backing him against&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;in a likely run-off on April 24.

On Saturday, in his only campaign rally before the first round,&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;tried to convince voters of the risk of a Brexit-style&nbsp;election upset that could see&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;take the far-right to power in France.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-far-right-leader-le-pen-closing-gap-on-macron-polls-466898">French far-right leader Le Pen closing gap on Macron: Polls</a>

"Look at what happened with Brexit,&nbsp;and&nbsp;so many other elections: what looked improbable&nbsp;actually happened," he said. "Nothing is impossible."

Even if&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;does win a second mandate, as polls still expect, the issue of&nbsp;pension reform, which dogged his first term, could be a problem, considering how widespread the opposition is.

One first, major challenge would be for his centre-right La Republique en Marche (LaRem) party, which has failed in all recent local elections, to win a parliamentary election in June.

With France's presidential race tightening ahead of Sunday's first round vote, favourites President Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen battled over pension reform on Monday.

With France's presidential race tightening ahead of Sunday's first round vote, favourites President Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen battled over pension reform on Monday. Opinion polls have long predicted Macron will win a second term but Le Pen has tightened the gap, with polls showing the 44-year old president with only a six-point advantage in a likely run-off on April 24. Le Pen has benefited from a campaign focused on purchasing power on which she doubled down on Monday. Also read | Emmanuel Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens "Do you realise what retirement at 65 is? It's simply completely unfair," she told BFM TV, lambasting Macron's plan to increase the legal age at which one gets a full pension from 62 to 65. Le Pen wants to keep the 62-year-old threshold and bring it down to 60 for those who started working before age 20. Pushing back the retirement age would hurt workers, she said, arguing that many would not manage to find a job at that age and would see their pension hit as a consequence Macron, asked about criticism of his pension reform plans, told France Inter radio: "Those who tell you we can keep (the pension system) as it is now are lying to you." Watch | France presidential elections: Will Macron win re-election bid? Raising the retirement age - with exceptions for those who have tough jobs or worked longer than others - was needed to make the system viable and increase low pensions, he said. Macron, when he belatedly entered the election campaign last month, said he would increase the retirement age, cut taxes and further loosen labour market rules, seeking a mandate to press on with pro-business reforms. Stressing his pro-business credentials was not without risk as households feel the squeeze from rising prices and could put off a number of leftwing voters from backing him against Le Pen in a likely run-off on April 24. On Saturday, in his only campaign rally before the first round, Macron tried to convince voters of the risk of a Brexit-style election upset that could see Le Pen take the far-right to power in France. Also read | French far-right leader Le Pen closing gap on Macron: Polls "Look at what happened with Brexit, and so many other elections: what looked improbable actually happened," he said. "Nothing is impossible." Even if Macron does win a second mandate, as polls still expect, the issue of pension reform, which dogged his first term, could be a problem, considering how widespread the opposition is. One first, major challenge would be for his centre-right La Republique en Marche (LaRem) party, which has failed in all recent local elections, to win a parliamentary election in June.

Macron and Le Pen battle over pensions as French election race tightens

In a recent update on French polls, President Emmanuel Macron continues to remain the favorite with far-right candidate Le Pen inching closer to securing the second position.

French Presidential election 2022: Macron & Le Pen battle over pension reforms

French elections are just 8 days away and race for President is heating up. Will French President Macron get a second term? Watch this report.

Will Macron get a second term as France goes to polls in 8 days?

French Presidential election 2022: Le Pen closes the gap in opinion polls

As per polls, President Emmanuel Macron continues to remain the favourite with far-right candidate Le Pen inching closer to securing the second position in French elections in 2022.

Polls: Emmanuel Macron likely to win by 53% of votes

Eric Zemmour, France's Donald Trump, is running for President. He is anti-Muslim, anti-immigrants, He wants to ban Hijab and names that are not French. Zemmour is so far-right, that he makes Le Pen look moderate. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Meet France's Donald Trump who is running for President

In nine days, France will hold presidential elections and ahead of this crucial polls, the political fight is heating up. French president Emmanuel Macron has launched a bitter attack against his main contender, take a look.

French Elections: Macron launches a bitter attack against Le Pen, accuses her of far-right leanings

French election 2022: France witnesses battle on the far right

In a recent update on French election 2022, President Emmanuel Macron slammed his opponent and far-right candidate Le Pen ahead of polls. He said, "we have to keep on saying the truth of her projects."

French election 2022: Emmanuel Macron slams opponent Le Pen ahead of polls

The first round of voting is just two weeks away in France. Another key player Eric Zemmour came into the picture of France elections. France is on the decline according to him, this is because of three main factors - minimum governmental interference, unchecked immigration, and the rise of Islam in the country.

French Election 2022: Who is France's Eric Zemmour?

Far-right politician Marine Le Pen is emerging as a favourite in the French Presidential Polls. Who is Le Pen? What are her views? Can she defeat Emmanuel Macron? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Who is Marine Le Pen?

First round of voting is just two weeks away in France and new opinion polls show French far-right leader Le Pen gaining three points on President Emmanuel Macron.

French Elections: New opinion polls show Le Pen closing in on Macron

France is gearing up for Presidential elections and the first round of voting is just two weeks away. Now, French far-right leader Le Pen is closing in on President Macron as elections heat up.

French elections heat up: French far-right leader Le Pen closing in on President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron is all set for French Presidential election and the voting in France will begin on April 10th.

Election season amid Ukraine war: Who is challenging French President Emmanuel Macron?

France is gearing up for Presidential election. President Emmanuel Macron is eyeing re-election as he faces worried voters during campaigning.

France's Presidential election: President Emmanuel Macron faces worried voters

France is all set to hold the first round of presidential elections that are scheduled to take place on April 10. Just two weeks to go for the first round of polls, candidates are now ramping up efforts to increase the voter turnout which has been projected to be historically low this year.

France: Voter turnout concerns loom over election, Macron remains clear favorite

French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

Next month, France will hold the first round of polling to elect its next president. The war in Ukraine has boosted the re-election campaign of French President Emmanuel Macron. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: How Ukraine war boosted Macron's re-election campaign

For 22 days, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been dominating headlines. This war has not just changed the lives of Ukrainians it has far reaching implications. World leaders tried to play peacemakers and among them was the French president Emmanuel Macron, however this war changed the narrative altogether for Macron.

Ukraine war dominates electoral agenda in France, Macron to be benefitted?

With less than a month to go for elections in France, French President Emmanuel Macron unveils the election manifesto in a re-election bid.

Poll-bound French President Emmanuel Macron unveils election manifesto in a re-election bid

The French government has rolled back most covid19 curbs, ending mass mandates in most public places and allowing the unvaccinated into bars, restaurants and cinemas.

France lifts Covid-19 restrictions on unvaccinated just before Presidential polls

After a three-way phone call with the Russian leader and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron's office has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "lies" for alleging that Ukrainian forces had committed human rights abuses.

France and Germany urged&nbsp;Putin Saturday to end a deadly days-long siege of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, the French presidency said.

Putin spoke about “issues related to agreements under discussion to implement the Russian demands” for ending the war, the Kremlin said without providing details.

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The Kremlin said Putin also told Macron and Scholz about video calls between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators over the past few days.&nbsp;

The Russian leader also repeated his allegation that Ukrainian forces using civilians as shields had thwarted efforts to evacuate civilians from combat zones.

Ukraine’s military said Saturday that Russian forces captured Mariupol’s eastern outskirts, tightening the armed squeeze on the strategic port.&nbsp;

Taking Mariupol and other ports on the Azov Sea could allow Russia to establish a land corridor to Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/napoleons-waterloo-hitlers-barbarossa-5-lessons-putin-can-learn-from-failed-war-campaigns-461556">Napoleon's Waterloo &amp; Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky encouraged his people to keep up their resistance, which many analysts said has prevented the rapid offensive and military victory the Kremlin likely expected while planning to invade Russia’s ex-Soviet neighbor.

“The fact that the whole Ukrainian people resist these invaders has already gone down in history, but we do not have the right to let up our defense, no matter how difficult it may be for us,” he said.

Zelensky also accused Russia of employing “a new stage of terror” with the alleged kidnapping the mayor of Melitopol, a city 192 kilometers (119 miles) west of Mariupol. After residents of the occupied city demonstrated for the mayor’s release Saturday, the Ukrainian leader called on Russian forces to heed the calls.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

“Please hear in Moscow!” Zelensky said Saturday. “Another protest against Russian troops, against attempts to bring the city to its knees.”

He said 500-600 Russian troops had surrendered on Friday alone and that about 1,300 Ukrainian troops had been killed since the conflict began.

More than 2,000 residents of the southern city, which is now under Russian control, protested outside the city administration building to demand the release of the mayor, Ivan Fedorov, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office, said.

In multiple areas around the capital, artillery barrages sent residents scurrying for shelter and air raid sirens wailed.&nbsp;

Putin launched the invasion on Feb. 24 in an operation that has been almost universally condemned around the world and that has drawn tough Western sanctions on Russia.

The bombardment has trapped thousands of people in besieged cities and sent 2.5 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighbouring countries. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After a three-way phone call with the Russian leader and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron's office has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "lies" for alleging that Ukrainian forces had committed human rights abuses.

After a three-way phone call with the Russian leader and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron's office has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "lies" for alleging that Ukrainian forces had committed human rights abuses. France and Germany urged Putin Saturday to end a deadly days-long siege of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, the French presidency said. Putin spoke about “issues related to agreements under discussion to implement the Russian demands” for ending the war, the Kremlin said without providing details. The Kremlin said Putin also told Macron and Scholz about video calls between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators over the past few days. The Russian leader also repeated his allegation that Ukrainian forces using civilians as shields had thwarted efforts to evacuate civilians from combat zones. Ukraine’s military said Saturday that Russian forces captured Mariupol’s eastern outskirts, tightening the armed squeeze on the strategic port. Taking Mariupol and other ports on the Azov Sea could allow Russia to establish a land corridor to Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014. Also see | Napoleon's Waterloo & Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky encouraged his people to keep up their resistance, which many analysts said has prevented the rapid offensive and military victory the Kremlin likely expected while planning to invade Russia’s ex-Soviet neighbor. “The fact that the whole Ukrainian people resist these invaders has already gone down in history, but we do not have the right to let up our defense, no matter how difficult it may be for us,” he said. Zelensky also accused Russia of employing “a new stage of terror” with the alleged kidnapping the mayor of Melitopol, a city 192 kilometers (119 miles) west of Mariupol. After residents of the occupied city demonstrated for the mayor’s release Saturday, the Ukrainian leader called on Russian forces to heed the calls. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? “Please hear in Moscow!” Zelensky said Saturday. “Another protest against Russian troops, against attempts to bring the city to its knees.” He said 500-600 Russian troops had surrendered on Friday alone and that about 1,300 Ukrainian troops had been killed since the conflict began. More than 2,000 residents of the southern city, which is now under Russian control, protested outside the city administration building to demand the release of the mayor, Ivan Fedorov, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office, said. In multiple areas around the capital, artillery barrages sent residents scurrying for shelter and air raid sirens wailed. Putin launched the invasion on Feb. 24 in an operation that has been almost universally condemned around the world and that has drawn tough Western sanctions on Russia. The bombardment has trapped thousands of people in besieged cities and sent 2.5 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighbouring countries. (With inputs from agencies)

France accuses Russia of 'lies' over Ukraine rights allegations

Now, according to reports, Russian military will hold fire and open humanitarian corridors in several Ukrainian cities including the capital Kyiv, at 7am. Russian defence ministry confirmed that they will hold a temporary ceasefire to facilitate evacuations in some areas in Ukraine.

Russia calls for a temporary ceasefire amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron made a fresh phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (March 6) and both leaders spoke for 1 hour 45 minutes, said the Elysee.

A presidential official was quoted by AFP as saying that the call came at Macron's request. This is the fourth time leaders of both countries have spoken with each other since Russia's Ukrain invasion on February 24.

It came after a tense call on March 3 which the Elysee said had left Macron feeling "the worst is to come" in Ukraine with Putin intent on seizing "the whole" of the country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bennett-says-israel-will-try-to-mediate-on-ukraine-even-if-prospect-slim-459599">Bennett says Israel will try to mediate on Ukraine even if prospect slim</a>

Appeals to stop war are coming from worldover. On Sunday, Pope Francis denounced 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine

"War is madness, please stop," the pope said.

He rejected Russia's assertion that Ukraine attack was a special military operation.&nbsp;

"In Ukraine rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not only a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction and misery," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-will-be-a-war-crime-ukraine-warns-russia-preparing-to-shell-port-city-odessa-459585">'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa</a>

Pope repeated his demand that humanitarian corridors must be established in the warzone.

"In that martyred country the need for humanitarian assistance is growing by the hour," the pope said, speaking from a window overlooking the square. "Let common sense prevail, let us return to the respect of international law."

There were many more people than normal gathered infront of St. Peter's Basilica for the pope's Sunday appearance, with some holding aloft multi-coloured peace flags as well as the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron made a fresh phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (March 6) and both leaders spoke for 1 hour 45 minutes, said the Elysee.

French President Emmanuel Macron made a fresh phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (March 6) and both leaders spoke for 1 hour 45 minutes, said the Elysee. A presidential official was quoted by AFP as saying that the call came at Macron's request. This is the fourth time leaders of both countries have spoken with each other since Russia's Ukrain invasion on February 24. It came after a tense call on March 3 which the Elysee said had left Macron feeling "the worst is to come" in Ukraine with Putin intent on seizing "the whole" of the country. Also Read | Bennett says Israel will try to mediate on Ukraine even if prospect slim Appeals to stop war are coming from worldover. On Sunday, Pope Francis denounced 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine "War is madness, please stop," the pope said. He rejected Russia's assertion that Ukraine attack was a special military operation. "In Ukraine rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not only a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction and misery," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square. Also Read | 'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa Pope repeated his demand that humanitarian corridors must be established in the warzone. "In that martyred country the need for humanitarian assistance is growing by the hour," the pope said, speaking from a window overlooking the square. "Let common sense prevail, let us return to the respect of international law." There were many more people than normal gathered infront of St. Peter's Basilica for the pope's Sunday appearance, with some holding aloft multi-coloured peace flags as well as the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Macron calls Putin again, speaks for 1 hour 45 minutes

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Putin spoke to French President Macron. Macros said that the worst is yet to come as Putin wants to take all of Ukraine.

Putin speaks to France's Macron: Putin vows to take all of Ukraine

The French Prime Minister has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and demanded he halts the offensive operations by Russia in Ukraine.

Paris: Macron speaks with Putin and demanded halt to offensive by Russia in Ukraine

Nations and world leaders are condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin's unprovoked attack on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the Russian attack in Ukraine will be the turning point in European history.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Macron strongly condemns Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine

Western powers have now stepped up their diplomatic efforts to try and see if an invasion by Russia into Ukraine can be averted. France has held a series of talks with all parties involved in a bid to try and de-escalate the rising hostilities.

Macron proposes Ukraine summit to help defuse tensions with Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed French President Emmanuel Macron that Russian troops would depart Belarus after the military drills were completed.

Western countries will no doubt attach little value to that assurance, given that Russian troops were expected to leave today, until it was announced otherwise. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-tells-macron-plans-to-withdraw-troops-from-belarus-french-presidency-454886">Also read | Ukraine crisis: Belarus says Russian forces to remain for more drills</a>

According to Reuters, the two presidents argued about who was to blame for the unrest in eastern Ukraine during their phone chat today, citing a French presidential adviser.

Watch | Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-explained-the-russia-ukraine-crisis-454859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the French official, Macron blamed Russian separatists and Putin on Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-planning-biggest-war-since-1945-says-boris-johnson-454778">Also read | Russia planning biggest war since 1945, says Boris Johnson</a>

Meanwhile, Belarus' defence ministry has said that Russian forces stationed in Belarus for military drills will remain in the nation forever, fueling fears that Moscow is contemplating an invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed French President Emmanuel Macron that Russian troops would depart Belarus after the military drills were completed. Western countries will no doubt attach little value to that assurance, given that Russian troops were expected to leave today, until it was announced otherwise.

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed French President Emmanuel Macron that Russian troops would depart Belarus after the military drills were completed. Western countries will no doubt attach little value to that assurance, given that Russian troops were expected to leave today, until it was announced otherwise. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Belarus says Russian forces to remain for more drills According to Reuters, the two presidents argued about who was to blame for the unrest in eastern Ukraine during their phone chat today, citing a French presidential adviser. Watch | Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis According to the French official, Macron blamed Russian separatists and Putin on Ukraine. Also read | Russia planning biggest war since 1945, says Boris Johnson Meanwhile, Belarus' defence ministry has said that Russian forces stationed in Belarus for military drills will remain in the nation forever, fueling fears that Moscow is contemplating an invasion of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin tells Macron plans to withdraw troops from Belarus: French presidency

French President Emmanuel Macron who's due for election later this year in fact hosted a summit which was to consider to withdraw the French troops that have been stationed in western African nation of Mali.

Macron hosts African leaders ahead of expected withdrawal of troops from Mali

Amid the rising tensions between the West and Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron dialled Russian President Vladimir Putin.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid Ukraine conflict

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