Macron's 'tough love' to young jobseeker fuels French reform debate

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron poses for a selfie with a woman as visitors are allowed access to the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, September 15, 2018, as part of France's Heritage Days. Anne-Christine Poujoulat/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron's quick tongue has repeatedly landed him in trouble since he took office, but he shows no signs of backing away from his straight talk, telling an unemployed man he could easily get a job if he tried.

Despite crumbling poll numbers -- his approval rating has fallen to 31 percent from above 60 percent shortly after he was elected last year, according to Ifop -- Macron seems convinced that "telling it how it is" is what the nation needs.