French presidential hopefuls trade blows in opening debate

Seven candidates vying to succeed Emmanuel Macron met for their first debate, with all acknowledging France's economic difficulties but offering sharply different remedies. Marine Le Pen unveiled a €125 billion savings plan, while Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for higher wages and criticized tax breaks. Centrist Édouard Philippe warned that Mélenchon's proposals could cut France off from banking markets.