Macron says no deal with former President Sarkozy to endorse campaign

There was no wider political agreement between French President Emmanuel Macron, who is seeking re-election, and former conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy over his endorsement, Macron said on Wednesday.

Sarkozy endorsed Macron on Tuesday, ahead of the second round on the presidential election on April 24.
“There was no agreement,” Macron told France 2 television.

The comment followed French media speculation that Macron, who will need a new majority after legislative elections later this year in the wake of the presidential vote, could have obtained Sarkozy’s endorsement, offering political influence in return.

The endorsement will certainly help Macron attract voters who backed the conservatives’ Valérie Pécresse in the first round but could deter left-wing voters who will see it as confirmation that Macron is as right-wing as Sarkozy.