Macron coronavirus crisis speech convinces 62% of French - poll

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron is seen as he addresses the nation about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on television screens in Paris, France, April 13, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau

PARIS (Reuters) - Almost two-thirds of French people found Emmanuel Macron's speech extending the country's lockdown convincing, according to an opinion poll published on Tuesday, in a sign the president's more humble tone had appeased rising criticism.

Acknowledging his country had not been sufficiently prepared early on to face the challenges posed by the new coronavirus outbreak, Macron on Monday struck a more empathetic note in contrast to the war-like rhetoric of his previous speeches.