Macron holds 1st big rally; Rivals stir up ‘McKinsey Affair’

By SYLVIE CORBET and ANGELA CHARLTON
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron held his first big rally Saturday in his race for reelection, promising the French more “progress” and “solidarity” over the next five years. But his campaign has hit a speed bump dubbed “the McKinsey Affair.” It’s named after an American consulting company hired to advise the French government on its COVID-19 vaccination campaign and other policies. The French Senate has questioned why Macron’s government relies so much on private consultants and accuses McKinsey of tax dodging. The issue is energizing Macron’s rivals and dogging him at campaign stops. Polls suggest Macron is still the front-runner in the presidential vote on April 10.