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.
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.
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.
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.