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Macron launched a scathing attack on nationalists (Image: Getty)
Emmanuel Macron launched a scathing attack on Europe's nationalists, accusing them of being "hidden Brexiteers" and "bank robbers".
Europeans got to the polls on June 9 to elect a new legislative body in what could prove to be a decisive moment for the EU's future.
Polling suggests that Eurosceptic nationalists opposed to Brussels ever increasing powers stand to make big gains at the expense of pro-European parties.
In France, deluded President Macron faces losing out to Marine Le Pen's hard-right National Rally (RN), which is surging in the polls.
Support for Marine Le Pen is surging (Image: Getty)
The French president continued the brutal attack as he sought to rally supporters around his European agenda and shore up support for his party.
He warned that nationalists were liars who would destroy Europe's political and economic future.
“I say to Europeans: Wake up. Wake up! They are hidden Brexiteers," he told the Economist.
"All European nationalists are hidden Brexiteers. It’s all the same lies.”
He added: "Make no mistake. If you entrust the keys to people who think like they do, there is no reason why Europe should become a great power.
“In a way it’s as if we were saying it’s not a problem if we entrust the bank to robbers. When they are around the table, they take Europe hostage.”
Macron accused Le Pen of hypocrisy, alleging she was happy to reap the benefits of the EU while seeking to destroy it at the same time.
Currently polling in France shows support for the Identity & Democracy bloc, of which Le Pen's RN is a member, far outstripping Macron's liberal Renew Europe grouping.
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Support for Identity & Democracy stands at 32 percent, while Renew Europe languishes 14 points behind on 18 percent.
Macron has always been highly critical of Brexiteers, accusing them of "lies, exaggerations and simplifications".
In a speech at the Élysée Palace in 202, he said: "We must always remember where lies can lead our democracies."
He went on to describe Brexit as a "shock" and an "historic warning sign", claiming what was needed was more Europe, not less.
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