A new survey of French voters reveals a divide that predicts support for Le Pen. This same characteristic also explains Brexit and the election of Donald Trump.
It might look like an odd move, but quitting your party in the middle of a presidential election plays into a particular myth that might appeal to voters.
Emmanuel Macron was the winner of the first round of the French presidental election.
Eric Feferberg/AFP
The first round of the presidential election has left French citizens and politicians divided – and the top candidates’ four-way split doesn’t favour governance of the country.
Marine Le Pen has pledged to take France out of the eurozone.
EPA/Olivier Hoslet
François Hollande promised to make France’s youth a priority, but was a disappointment to them. While current candidates often showcase young supporters, will they have a voice after the election?
The Champs-Élysées was shut after a terrorist attack on April 20.
Etienne Laurent/EPA
Their policies on Syria, Russia, terrorism and the European Union.
Popular candidates for the 2017 presidential election (from left): Fillon, Macron, Melenchon, Le Pen and Hamon get ready to debate on March 20, 2017.
REUTERS/Patrick Kovarik
Behind the judicial turmoils of some of the candidates, it is becoming increasingly clear that the French presidential campaign is about two significantly opposed visions of the future.
He’s got Le Pen rattled at an important phase in the election campaign, even without a manifesto.
Things could get very interesting if Martin Schulz wins the German election and Emmanuel Macron triumphs in France.
Hannibal Hanschke/Pascal Rossignol/Reuters
The top vote-getter in the first round of the election, France’s former finance minister has been working to build a political narrative outside of the country’s traditional political parties.
Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, South Africa and Assistant Professor in the History of International Relations, Utrecht University
Professeure de management stratégique, directrice des programmes du MSc Arts & Creative Industries Management à Paris et de la partie française de l'Institut Franco-Chinois de Management des Arts et du Design à Shanghai, Kedge Business School