Second Macron minister hit by charges of wrongdoing ahead of polls

Paris

EMMANUEL Macron's pledge of squeaky-clean leadership hit another snag on Tuesday when a second minister in the government of the new French president had to deny accusations by political foes of financial misconduct days before parliamentary elections.

In the latest twist ahead of the vote in mid-June, Mr Macron's opponents were relishing his government's discomfort amid scandals similar to those which hurt his rivals in his campaign for the presidency and helped him beat far-right leader Marine Le Pen on May 7.