France's Macron promises welfare shake-up, more economic reforms if he wins second term

French President Emmanuel Macron, candidate for his re-election in the 2022 French presidential election, speaks during a news conference to unveil his presidential program at Les Docks de Paris, in Aubervilliers near Paris, France, March 17, 2022. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol

PARIS (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he would increase the retirement age, cut taxes and further loosen labour market rules if he wins a second term in next month's election, seeking a mandate to press on with pro-business reforms.

Opinion polls show Macron is likely to win the first round of the election on April 10 and beat any opponent in a run-off on April 24. His longstanding lead has grown in recent weeks, with voters approving of his diplomatic efforts over the Ukraine war.