Announcement of the results of the first round of the presidential election showing the two candidates qualified for the second round, Emmanuel Macron (28.4%) and Marine Le Pen (23.2%) (estimates at 22:40).
Lionel Bonaventure/AFP
The dynamics of the “strategic vote” in France have amplified the restructuring of the political field around three major poles: centrist, identitarian and far left.
Is France heading for Macron vs. Le Pen rematch?
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Garret Martin, American University School of International Service
For the second time running, it is looking like the French presidential election will go to a runoff between centralist Emmanuel Macron and far-right Marine Le Pen.
There are 12 candidates in the first round of the campaign – two favourites, three outsiders and a host of people with no chance of making it to the second round.
The RN candidate has spent the past years attempting to present herself as a champion for living standards.
VALENTINE CHAPUIS / AFP
Under fire for her past Russian links, Marine Le Pen may still be within reach of the second round of the French presidential elections thanks to her left-leaning economic agenda.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron holds a press conference following an EU leaders summit to discuss the fallout of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris, on March 11, 2022.
Ludovic Marin / AFP
The “rally round the flag” phenomenon has been an important fixture of political science. Will voter anxiety over war in Ukraine give president candidate Macron a definitive boost?
A gap is widening between ordinary people and an elite they deem to be arrogant and disconnected from the realities French people face. In many minds, Macron epitomises this elite.
French president, Emmanuel Macron: trapped in an endless cycle of crisis.
EPA-EFE/Ludovic Marin/Pool