French PM refuses to 'promise the moon', clashes with far-right in debate

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal speaks during a press conference entitled "The day after" to talk about the key measures in his party's programme for the hundred days after the upcoming French parliamentary elections, at the headquarters of the presidential majority group "Ensemble pour la Republique" in Paris, France, June 20, 2024. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/ File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - French prime minister Gabriel Attal accused his far-right and leftwing political opponents of "promising the moon" in a three-way televised debate on Tuesday ahead of next Sunday's first round of early parliamentary elections.

In a muddled, confusing TV debate between leaders of the three top-polling blocs, Attal came under pressure from his far-right opponent, Jordan Bardella, who repeatedly interrupted him and accused him of "lecturing" and lacking credibility.