By Michel Rose

PARIS (Reuters – The surprise visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to a Socialist-held suburb north of Paris was Wednesday. He wanted to attract left-wing voters before the June parliamentary elections.

Macron walked around the Cergy food market, greeting and talking to young people, and taking selfies with them. This was, according to the Elysee palace, to demonstrate that he is “listening” to their concerns, expectations, and needs.

Macron, who is centrist, was long accused of being too distant and elitist. This accusation discouraged many left-wing voters voting against Marine Le Pen in Sunday’s runoff election.

Macron said that he wanted to send a message to respect these poor areas of the country from the beginning of his new mandate. Macron spoke to reporters in Cergy where Jean-Luc Melenchon, far-left candidate won nearly half the votes during the first round.

RISEING PRICES

Macron is being advised by sources that he has to confront Melenchon’s challenge in the parliamentary elections of June 12 and 19. This crucial obstacle will affect the president’s ability as a leader for the next five year.

Melenchon came in third place after Macron, Le Pen and Le Pen. His goal is to form a coalition of leftists to take control of parliament and force Macron to awkward “cohabitation.”

In this election year, the cost of living is now the number one priority for voters. This coincides with sharp increases in petrol, food and energy prices, partly due to post-pandemic disruptions, and also because of war in Ukraine.

According to officials from the working classes, rising food prices are a major reason why voters have reacted badly to Ukraine’s sunflower oil and bread.

Mohammed DjaeRachid, head of local Comorian communities, told Reuters TV that “the most basic stuff” is very costly. Imagine that a bottle cooking oil once cost 1 euro but now costs 3 euros. He said that all the shops are now empty and it is becoming difficult for everyone.

Macron was protected by his security detail who opened an umbrella for him to shield him from what seemed to be an attempt at pelting him with tomatoes. This happened on a friendly walkabout where many locals, some of them immigrant backgrounds, jostled to get pictures with Macron.

Macron was asked which prime minister he preferred to name. He replied cryptically, “I’ll name someone who wants to work on productive, social, and environmental issues.”