Hamon slams the role of 'big money' in the French election
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French Socialist presidential candidate Benoit Hamon has presented his election manifesto in Paris.
The left-winger took a swipe at the role played by ‘big money’ in the campaign.
J’ai décidé de rendre publique la liste des donateurs de ma campagne. La transparence est essentielle pour la démocratie. #Quotidien pic.twitter.com/TensaZtHfj
— Benoît Hamon (@benoithamon) March 16, 2017
His comments targeted scandal mired Conservative Francois Fillon, and independent centrist and former investment banker Emmanuel Macron.
“This campaign is polluted by money. In the case of some of the candidates, the influence of big money forces can be seen in their manifestos” he said.
A central plank of the Hamon programme is universal income a welfare system that guarantees unconditional money to all: “I am the candidate of purchasing power, of the pay slip, this measure will improve the living conditions of a majority of French people who earn a salary that is insufficient to live on decently and with dignity.”
#ONPC
JLMelenchon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LucMelenchon">LucMelenchon pic.twitter.com/pUUfcWhqUQ— Har (@amine18022016) March 11, 2017
Former minister and ex-candidate, Arnaud Montebourg, now on the Hamon campaign team, has called on Jean-Luc Mélenchon to withdraw from the race in order to present a unified left to the French electorate.
The first TV debate between French presidential candidates takes place on Monday, March 20.
Those taking part are François Fillon, Benoît Hamon, Marine Le Pen, Emmanuel Macron and Jean-Luc Mélenchon.