Le Pen races toward French presidency, expected to face anti-Israeli candidate in decisive round

A new poll in France strengthens Marine Le Pen's position ahead of the presidential elections, with 36% in the first round. According to the poll, in the decisive round she will face far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, whom she defeats with 69% of the vote. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe lags behind. Former President François Hollande is considering joining the race.

A new Toluna Harris poll published in France strengthens the position of far-right leader Marine Le Pen ahead of the presidential elections, to be held in April and May 2027. According to the poll, Le Pen leads in the first round with 36% of the vote, up from 33% in the previous poll. Behind her is far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon with 18%, and according to the poll the two will advance to the decisive round where Le Pen defeats him with 69% of the vote. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, a centrist, remains with only 13-16%. Outgoing President Emmanuel Macron cannot run due to the two-term limit. Le Pen was convicted in a corruption case, but her sentence was reduced on appeal, and she will be able to run. Mélenchon is described as holding sharp anti-Israeli positions, having refused to condemn Hamas after October 7 and accused Israel of genocide. Former President François Hollande is considering joining the race if he sees a chance to win.