French voters face a stark choice at the polls, but many are saying ‘non’ to both candidates.
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.
Far-right candidates Eric Zemmour and Marine Le Pen have both benefited from substantial support by media groups sympathetic to their ideas.
Thomas Coex/AFP
While many progressive movements have organised online, conservatives dominate because of better organisation, capital, and social inequality. France’s presidential elections are a case in point.
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.
Eric Zemmour at a conference to discuss the future of right-wing politics in Paris.
EPA/Christophe Petit Tesson