'Merkel's a SAVIOUR' French presidential hopeful hails German open-door immigration policy
ANGELA Merkel has been hailed as a European saviour who saved the continent’s “collective dignity” with her open-door immigration policy, a French presidential hopeful has claimed.
Emmanuel Macron launches campaign for French presidency
Emmanuel Macron, a former Economic minister who resigned from Hollande’s left-wing administration in order to run as an Independent presidential candidate, slammed Merkel’s critics for simplifying her migration policies.
Macron, arguably the most popular French Presidential candidate, hailed Merkel as a saviour
German couple say their son is in a coma because of Merkel
In an interview with a German national newspaper on Monday, the 39-year-old French socialist candidate said: "Chancellor Merkel and the German society as a whole were up to the mark of our joint values. They saved our collective dignity by taking in refugees and providing them with accommodation and education."
Mr Macron, who is due to battle Marine Le Pen and Francois Fillon for presidency in April, went on to urge EU officials to create a “joint intelligence system” which will help prevent further terror attacks from harming the union.
Emmanuel Macron, centre, claims he is so popular with French voters because of his stance
He added: “Terrorism wants to destroy Europe. We need to create a sovereign Europe, and fast – a Europe capable of protecting us from outside dangers, and boost inner security by doing so.
“The solution is stronger European cooperation and not the ineffective bordering off of nations.”
The left-wing candidate, who has racked up a 35 per cent approval rating among French voters, previously said he is so popular because he has a “progressive” appeal with voters who want France to be “open and pro-European”.
The French politician’s comments come days after Merkel, who announced she will run for a fourth term as Chancellor, defended her immigration policy.
Merkel said is was “important and right it was for our country [Germany] to help those who really need our protection find their feet here and integrate."
Merkel: We must combat terrorism together with humanity
Mr Macron managed to avoid widespread condemnation after the Nice attacks as he claimed Muslims were disproportionately “targeted” and urged French officials to apply rules on secularism in a less stringent way.
Marine Le Pen is set to come under fire after the Financial Times revealed she will be funding her presidential campaign with €6m from a company owned by her father.
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