Macron to defend his actions, eyes French presidential race

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to defend his actions during his presidency in a long interview Wednesday on national television, in a bid to boost his popularity ahead of April’s presidential election

PARIS -- French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to defend his actions during his presidency in a long interview Wednesday on national television, in a bid to boost his popularity ahead of April’s presidential election.

Macron, who is expected to seek a second term, has yet to formally declare his candidacy. He is under criticism from rivals in the race who say he is already campaigning and is using his presidential status to do so.

The 43-year-old centrist president answered journalists' questions in a long pre-recorded interview to be broadcast on Wednesday evening at prime time on national television channels TF1 and LCI.

The program recorded Sunday is expected to focus on domestic issues. Macron answered “questions asked by the French” and spoke about “events which marked his term,” including the COVID-19 crisis and anti-government protests, expressing “his satisfactions and his regrets,” the media group said.