Ex-economy minister Macron plays "candidate for jobs" card in France's presidential race

 Kicking off his campaign for France's presidential election, former economy minister Emmanuel Macron, portrayed himself as "a candidate for jobs", proposing "progressive" platform which "will pull France into the 21st century."

"Our project is ...to make our country win, to make it succeed in a world that is transforming. Our commitment is clear and will not be neglected," Macron said.

"The economic and social battle is the first battle and that one, we will win it," he added, pledging "to liberate people through access to employment."

Neither in the left nor in the right, ex- investment banker promised to further reduce France's high employment charges and increase workers' minimum wages by 500 euros (528.07 U.S. dollars) per year by cutting taxes on wages.

Instead, he wants to raise taxes on consumption and wealthy pensioners.

"Because I want to be a candidate of fairness, I'm candidate for jobs," he told 15,000 supporters gathered in the Porte de Versailles exhibition center, south Paris.

The pro-business youngest contender joined the Socialist government in August 2014 to replace ousted economy minister Arnaud Montebourg.

He has never had an elected post. He disclosed his political ambition after creating his own political movement "En Marche" (On the Move) in April.

Last month, the 38-year-old announced his bid to run for presidential election as an independent candidate. He has refused calls to take part in Left-wing parties primary for the upcoming presidential election.

Analysts said Macron's pro-European and centrist rhetoric is likely to further split the ruling Socialist camp and pulverize hopes of the broader Left to build momentum to challenge candidates form opposition parties.

Opinion polls placed him third in first-round voting intention with 14 percent, ahead of former prime minister Manuel Valls who is expected to win the party ticket for the race to the Elysee Palace.

source: Xinhua