Former President Obama endorses Emmanuel Macron in French election

FORMER President Obama has made a surprise move on the French political scene, saying it “matters to the entire world”.

FORMER US President Barack Obama has weighed into the French election to back Emmanuel Macron over his National Front rival Marine Le Pen.

The Democrat said he made the unusual move because of the critical nature of the election “to the entire world.”

“I’m not planning to get involved in many elections now that I don’t have to run to office again,” he said.

“But the French election is very important to the future of France and the values that we care so much about. Because the success of France matters to the entire world.”

Sunday’s election will be the first time two outsider candidates face off against one another in the second round of voting.

French voters will take to the polls on Sunday for a choice between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen in a vote dubbed critical for the future of Europe. Picture: / AFP PHOTO / LOIC VENANCE

Emmanuel Macron formed his party, En Marche!, 12 months ago after serving as a finance minister in the Socialist government and has gained more than 200,000 members.

He will come up against Marine Le Pen, the leader of the right-wing National Front who has pledged to offer a referendum on European Union membership and wants to close the French borders and leave the euro single currency.

On Wednesday, the pair went head-to-head in an ill-tempered television debate where she accused him of holding an offshore bank account.

Macron’s camp has said he is subject to a “disinformation” campaign played out on social media. He has also urged supporters to make sure they vote so France does not end up like the US or Britain following the Brexit vote and Trump presidency.

“This Sunday France will have to make a choice. The worse is not impossible,” he said.

Former President Barack Obama weighed in to the French election in a surprise move. Picture: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh.

Mr Obama said he supports Macron because of his commitment to a “better future” for France.

“He appeals to people’s hopes not their fears.”

“I know that you face many challenges and I want all of my friends in France to know how much I am rooting for your success. Because of how important this election is I also want you to know that I’m supporting Emmanuel Macron to lead you forward,” he said.

“Vive La France”.

Three days out from the vote show Macron holding nearly 60 per cent of the vote with 40 per cent for Marine Le Pen.

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