Emmanuel Macron will continue to meet public despite assault

French president shrugs off security fears after he is slapped on walkabout in run-up to elections

Emmanuel Macron has insisted he will continue to meet the public despite security fears after he was assaulted on a walkabout.

The French president was speaking as an opinion poll suggested his popularity is increasing. The latest survey by Ifop showed Macron gained 7 percentage points over the last month and was considered favourably by 50% of people.