One of the major points of contention is the single currency system within the EU. Le Pen wants to leave the Euro system but that seems more based on nationalism than economics. Macron says no, but that EU reform is required. Le Pen says “the euro is dead”, but doesn’t suggest leaving the single currency system right away. It seems to me more like something she wants to campaign on, but not something she actually wants to do because she knows it would be harmful.
Le Pen reminds me so much of Trump. She uses inflammatory rhetoric, claims she will keep the French people safe, projects her own idea of what French culture is and should be. Macron on the other hand doesn’t seem to be tone-deaf the way Clinton’s campaign was. He recognizes the real struggles and desires of Le Pen’s supporters when it comes to trade, and he strongly advocates reform (and blames Germany for lack of said reform). From The Guardian:
“The dysfunctioning of the euro is of good use to Germany, I have to say,” said Macron, adding that a lack of trust between France and Germany was blocking major reforms that would increase solidarity among the 19 members of the eurozone.
“The euro is a weak Deutsche Mark,” said Macron. “The status quo is synonymous, in 10 years’ time, with the dismantling of the euro.”
Ironically, electing Macron could increase the value of the euro, as its value jumped last night.