France's political landscape is going through a dramatic turnaround after far-right leader Marine Le Pen's conviction in an embezzlement case. Thousands are out on the streets again, many in support of Le Pen while there are others who support her conviction. But amid the divide, the National Rally leader is determined to fight for her political future.

Marine Le Pen addresses 45,000 supporters after conviction

France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been convicted of embezzling public funds, resulting in a five-year ban from running for office. Eight others were also found guilty in the case. Le Pen’s ally, Jordan Bardella, has condemned the ruling, calling it an “execution of democracy.” This verdict marks a major political setback ahead of upcoming elections.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen banned from 2027 presidential race

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen barred from seeking office for 5 years

French court convicts Marine Le Pen, bans her from elections for 5 years

France on Monday (Jul&nbsp;8) delivered a crippling blow to the far-right that looked set to win what was labelled a "seismic" election.&nbsp;

The nation is in a state of political uncertainty. Even as the left defeated the far right in the French elections, neither party won the absolute majority, leaving the nation with a hung parliament.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in the elections?</h2>

On Sunday (Jul 7), contrary to what the exit polls predicted, Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally did not achieve the majority to form a government. But, neither did Emmanuel Macron's centrists nor any other party, coalition for that matter.

Emerging on top with 182 seats is the left-wing New Popular Front. As per reports, it was followed by Macron's Together alliance with 163 seats while Le Pen finished in third place with 143 seats in the bag, much less than 289 needed for an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-jordan-bardella-far-right-leader-poised-to-become-frances-youngest-prime-minister-replacing-macron-738649">Who is Jordan Bardella? Far-right leader poised to become France's youngest Prime Minister</a>

<h2>How did this happen?</h2>

Two words: Republican Front. The exit poll predictions spurred the centre and the left wing to take some decisive steps and form over 200 tactical voting pacts between them to prevent RN from winning.&nbsp;

They revived the anti-far right "Republican Front" which was first summoned when Marine Le Pen's father Jean-Marie faced Jacques Chirac in the run-off of the 2002 presidential elections.

<h2>What happens next?</h2>

None of the three blocs have an absolute majority and thus cannot form a majority government and would need support from others to pass legislation.

The question here is whether a left-leaning coalition is a possibility. France, as per Reuters, is not accustomed to the kind of post-election coalition-building common in northern European parliamentary democracies like Germany or the Netherlands.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-elections-2024-high-turnout-in-second-round-as-far-right-eyes-power-738743">French elections 2024: Left alliance projected to win most seats, major setback to far right, say exit polls</a>

France's Fifth Republic system of government was designed in 1958 by war hero Charles de Gaulle. This system focuses on giving a large, stable parliamentary majority to presidents. This is not to say that Macron's centrists and the leftist coalition cannot unite. However, they must collaborate for at least one year, as 12 months is the minimum constitutional delay for a new election.

<h2>What if the left and the centre can't come to an agreement?</h2>

This is exactly what makes the situation so precarious. France is in its most severe political uncertainty in years. A state of no agreement is "uncharted territory".

As per the French constitution, Macron decides who to ask to form a government. However, it's not that easy. Whoever he chooses must be acceptable to the majority of lawmakers.

Risk analysis firm Eurasia Group said there was "no obvious governing majority" in the new parliament.

"It may take many weeks to resolve the muddle while the present government manages current business."

(With inputs from agencies)

France on Monday (Jul 8) delivered a crippling blow to the far-right that looked set to win what was labelled a "seismic" election. The nation is in a state of political uncertainty.

France on Monday (Jul 8) delivered a crippling blow to the far-right that looked set to win what was labelled a "seismic" election. The nation is in a state of political uncertainty. Even as the left defeated the far right in the French elections, neither party won the absolute majority, leaving the nation with a hung parliament. What happened in the elections? On Sunday (Jul 7), contrary to what the exit polls predicted, Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally did not achieve the majority to form a government. But, neither did Emmanuel Macron's centrists nor any other party, coalition for that matter. Emerging on top with 182 seats is the left-wing New Popular Front. As per reports, it was followed by Macron's Together alliance with 163 seats while Le Pen finished in third place with 143 seats in the bag, much less than 289 needed for an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly. Also read | Who is Jordan Bardella? Far-right leader poised to become France's youngest Prime Minister How did this happen? Two words: Republican Front. The exit poll predictions spurred the centre and the left wing to take some decisive steps and form over 200 tactical voting pacts between them to prevent RN from winning. They revived the anti-far right "Republican Front" which was first summoned when Marine Le Pen's father Jean-Marie faced Jacques Chirac in the run-off of the 2002 presidential elections. What happens next? None of the three blocs have an absolute majority and thus cannot form a majority government and would need support from others to pass legislation. The question here is whether a left-leaning coalition is a possibility. France, as per Reuters, is not accustomed to the kind of post-election coalition-building common in northern European parliamentary democracies like Germany or the Netherlands. Also read | French elections 2024: Left alliance projected to win most seats, major setback to far right, say exit polls France's Fifth Republic system of government was designed in 1958 by war hero Charles de Gaulle. This system focuses on giving a large, stable parliamentary majority to presidents. This is not to say that Macron's centrists and the leftist coalition cannot unite. However, they must collaborate for at least one year, as 12 months is the minimum constitutional delay for a new election. What if the left and the centre can't come to an agreement? This is exactly what makes the situation so precarious. France is in its most severe political uncertainty in years. A state of no agreement is "uncharted territory". As per the French constitution, Macron decides who to ask to form a government. However, it's not that easy. Whoever he chooses must be acceptable to the majority of lawmakers. Risk analysis firm Eurasia Group said there was "no obvious governing majority" in the new parliament. "It may take many weeks to resolve the muddle while the present government manages current business." (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: French elections ended in a hung parliament. What happens next?

France on Sunday (July 7) votes in "seismic" elections that will decide the nation's political future and could see the far right for the first time become the largest party in the parliament.

The 2024 French elections are the most significant in years. This is the first time in years that the Anti-immigration National Rally (RN) of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella has had a realistic chance of not only running the government, but also grabbing outright control of the National Assembly.

<h2>Polling time and more</h2>

In Mainland France, voting begins at 08:00 (06:00 GMT) and the first exit polls will be made public just 12 hours later.

A party must win 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly for an outright majority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-snap-polls-exit-polls-show-le-pens-party-falling-short-of-outright-majority-738388">France snap elections: Exit Polls show Le Pen's party falling short of outright majority</a>

Battered by a defeat in Parliament Elections, Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron in June called for snap elections three years ahead of time — a decision many observers believe may backfire.

<h2>Right-wing's run to power</h2>

On June 30, the far-right party of Le Pen came out on top in the first round of polls. With this, the three-time Presidential candidate expressed confidence that the RN Party would win an absolute majority and crown party leader Jordan Bardella, 28, as prime minister.

However, as per AFP, last week saw over 200 tactical voting pacts between the centre and the left-wing candidates. Their goal? To prevent RN from winning.&nbsp;

This marks the return of the anti-far right "Republican Front" which was first summoned when Marine Le Pen's father Jean-Marie faced Jacques Chirac in the run-off of the 2002 presidential elections.

With the emergence of the anti-far right "Republican Front" the latest polls projected that the RN would fall well short of the 289 majority.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-government-spokesperson-attacked-on-the-campaign-trail-738006">France’s government spokesperson attacked on campaign trail</a>

According to the last opinion polls from two organizations, the RN is projected to win 170–210 seats, followed by the NFP coalition with 145–185 seats, and Macron's centrists with 118–150 seats.

If the poll prediction comes true, Macron may yet build a broad coalition and quash RN to keep Gabriel Attal as the prime minister on a caretaker basis.

"Today the danger is a majority dominated by the extreme right, and that would be catastrophic," warned Attal in a final pre-election interview with French television on Friday (July 5).

(With inputs from agencies)

France on Sunday (July 7) votes in "seismic" elections that will decide the nation's political future and could see the far right for the first time become the largest party in the parliament.

France on Sunday (July 7) votes in "seismic" elections that will decide the nation's political future and could see the far right for the first time become the largest party in the parliament. The 2024 French elections are the most significant in years. This is the first time in years that the Anti-immigration National Rally (RN) of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella has had a realistic chance of not only running the government, but also grabbing outright control of the National Assembly. Polling time and more In Mainland France, voting begins at 08:00 (06:00 GMT) and the first exit polls will be made public just 12 hours later. A party must win 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly for an outright majority. Also read | France snap elections: Exit Polls show Le Pen's party falling short of outright majority Battered by a defeat in Parliament Elections, Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron in June called for snap elections three years ahead of time — a decision many observers believe may backfire. Right-wing's run to power On June 30, the far-right party of Le Pen came out on top in the first round of polls. With this, the three-time Presidential candidate expressed confidence that the RN Party would win an absolute majority and crown party leader Jordan Bardella, 28, as prime minister. However, as per AFP, last week saw over 200 tactical voting pacts between the centre and the left-wing candidates. Their goal? To prevent RN from winning. This marks the return of the anti-far right "Republican Front" which was first summoned when Marine Le Pen's father Jean-Marie faced Jacques Chirac in the run-off of the 2002 presidential elections. With the emergence of the anti-far right "Republican Front" the latest polls projected that the RN would fall well short of the 289 majority. Also read | France’s government spokesperson attacked on campaign trail According to the last opinion polls from two organizations, the RN is projected to win 170–210 seats, followed by the NFP coalition with 145–185 seats, and Macron's centrists with 118–150 seats. If the poll prediction comes true, Macron may yet build a broad coalition and quash RN to keep Gabriel Attal as the prime minister on a caretaker basis. "Today the danger is a majority dominated by the extreme right, and that would be catastrophic," warned Attal in a final pre-election interview with French television on Friday (July 5). (With inputs from agencies)

French Elections 2024: Could Le Pen's far-right seize control of parliament in 'seismic' election?

The first round of French National Assembly on Sunday has raised the prospects of a far-right government for the first time since the World War era. But in France, the elections or government formation is not that simple. The mandatory second round for constituencies with unclear mandates could tilt the outcome even though slightly. That is the best hope for President Emmanuel Macron whose coalition came in third after the voting on Sunday (June 30).

Here are the current situation and the possible scenarios in future:

At the time of writing this, exit polls suggested far-right National Rally or RN led by Marine Le Pen won 34 per cent of votes while President Macron’s centrist alliance called Together fared third at 20.3 per cent. The Left-Green coalition New Popular Front or NFP is set to be better than Together, at 29 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-election-high-turnout-seen-as-far-right-eyes-historic-win-736550">France elections: High turnout seen as expats cast vote in snap polls; far-right eyes historic win</a>

While the final numbers are not yet in, the far-right is confident of winning enough seats to form a government.

If 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's prodigy&nbsp;and RN leader, eventually becomes prime minister, that will lead to Macron becoming a lame-duck president for the rest of his term.

<h2>How can Macron escape the rout? What are his chances?</h2>

There are two things happening. On the ground, left and centrist supporters have taken to the streets to protest against the far-right. The hope, it appears, is to show how dangerous it would be if a far-right government takes over and&nbsp;rally support for alternative outcomes.

This, they hope, would make more voters to turn up in the second round, and avert a tectonic shift of French politics towards the right.

<h2>Alliance-building and deal-making: Macron's last option?</h2>

Macron could forge electorial tie-ups with other parties to help cobble up an anti-far-right coalition.

Here's how the numbers stack up:

Out of the 577 seats, those where the leading candidate did not poll more than 50% of votes will have to go into second round on Sunday, as per the election rules of France. The two candidates who got the highest votes in such constituencies, plus anyone who got at least 12.5% of registered votes will go into the second round.

Also watch |&nbsp;France snap elections: Far-right takes lead in round 1, What's next? | Race To Power

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-snap-elections-far-right-takes-lead-in-round-1-whats-next-736684/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In this year's election, the number of such seats are projected to be up to 80. The largest number of second round elections in the past was in 1997, which saw polling in 76 seats.

In the past elections, most of the second rounds were between two candidates, meaning two main parties or blocs. But this time, many of them are going to see triangular contests between the left, centrist and far-right parties.

As the RN has the largest vote share of the first round, they might have an edge in second round too.

But the centrists and leftists have an option: one of the fronts can drop their candidate in order for the other to win in tactical voting, so that a front can be formed against the far right.

This is where Macron's challenge lies: Can he convince the leftist to drop their candidates?

Even if that happens, will the voters change their voting pattern in favour of the candidate who, in the first round, was an opponent of their party candidate?

<h2>Who are the players and kingmakers?</h2>

The left-green NFP alliance includes four parties. They have agreed in principle to withdraw the NFP candidates from seats where RN is in first place or NFP candidate is third.

But will Macron return the favour in cases where his party/bloc candidates are third?

Macron thinks the NFP consists of 'extreme' left parties and is yet to be flexible on this. While the Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is in favour of third-placed candidates from Macron's coalition withdrawing from the race, neither the president nor the candidates have made firm commitments to this effect at the time of writing this.

While an Ipsos poll said 87% NFP voters are ready to vote for &nbsp;other candidates in order to keep out RN, only 62% of Together&nbsp;coalition voters are ready to do the same.

Odoxa's polls found that only 41% were willing to block RN. Those willing to block NPF are highest at 47% while 44% are ready to block Together from winning.

So in the coming days, Macron will have to negotiate his way through individual party leaders - including the ones he disparaged during campaign- and create 'deals' on individual constituencies.

It all depends on how much he, and the others like Leftist firebrand leaders&nbsp;Jean-Luc Mélenchon in NFP- are willing to play ball.

The first round of French National Assembly on Sunday has raised the prospects of a far-right government for the first time since the World War era. But in France, the elections or government formation is not that simple.

The first round of French National Assembly on Sunday has raised the prospects of a far-right government for the first time since the World War era. But in France, the elections or government formation is not that simple. The mandatory second round for constituencies with unclear mandates could tilt the outcome even though slightly. That is the best hope for President Emmanuel Macron whose coalition came in third after the voting on Sunday (June 30). Here are the current situation and the possible scenarios in future: At the time of writing this, exit polls suggested far-right National Rally or RN led by Marine Le Pen won 34 per cent of votes while President Macron’s centrist alliance called Together fared third at 20.3 per cent. The Left-Green coalition New Popular Front or NFP is set to be better than Together, at 29 per cent. Also read | France elections: High turnout seen as expats cast vote in snap polls; far-right eyes historic win While the final numbers are not yet in, the far-right is confident of winning enough seats to form a government. If 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's prodigy and RN leader, eventually becomes prime minister, that will lead to Macron becoming a lame-duck president for the rest of his term. How can Macron escape the rout? What are his chances? There are two things happening. On the ground, left and centrist supporters have taken to the streets to protest against the far-right. The hope, it appears, is to show how dangerous it would be if a far-right government takes over and rally support for alternative outcomes. This, they hope, would make more voters to turn up in the second round, and avert a tectonic shift of French politics towards the right. Alliance-building and deal-making: Macron's last option? Macron could forge electorial tie-ups with other parties to help cobble up an anti-far-right coalition. Here's how the numbers stack up: Out of the 577 seats, those where the leading candidate did not poll more than 50% of votes will have to go into second round on Sunday, as per the election rules of France. The two candidates who got the highest votes in such constituencies, plus anyone who got at least 12.5% of registered votes will go into the second round. Also watch | France snap elections: Far-right takes lead in round 1, What's next? | Race To Power × In this year's election, the number of such seats are projected to be up to 80. The largest number of second round elections in the past was in 1997, which saw polling in 76 seats. In the past elections, most of the second rounds were between two candidates, meaning two main parties or blocs. But this time, many of them are going to see triangular contests between the left, centrist and far-right parties. As the RN has the largest vote share of the first round, they might have an edge in second round too. But the centrists and leftists have an option: one of the fronts can drop their candidate in order for the other to win in tactical voting, so that a front can be formed against the far right. This is where Macron's challenge lies: Can he convince the leftist to drop their candidates? Even if that happens, will the voters change their voting pattern in favour of the candidate who, in the first round, was an opponent of their party candidate? Who are the players and kingmakers? The left-green NFP alliance includes four parties. They have agreed in principle to withdraw the NFP candidates from seats where RN is in first place or NFP candidate is third. But will Macron return the favour in cases where his party/bloc candidates are third? Macron thinks the NFP consists of 'extreme' left parties and is yet to be flexible on this. While the Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is in favour of third-placed candidates from Macron's coalition withdrawing from the race, neither the president nor the candidates have made firm commitments to this effect at the time of writing this. While an Ipsos poll said 87% NFP voters are ready to vote for other candidates in order to keep out RN, only 62% of Together coalition voters are ready to do the same. Odoxa's polls found that only 41% were willing to block RN. Those willing to block NPF are highest at 47% while 44% are ready to block Together from winning. So in the coming days, Macron will have to negotiate his way through individual party leaders - including the ones he disparaged during campaign- and create 'deals' on individual constituencies. It all depends on how much he, and the others like Leftist firebrand leaders Jean-Luc Mélenchon in NFP- are willing to play ball.

French elections: Far-right wins first round but Macron might have one last chance. Here's how

The French will decide on April 24 whether to re-elect pro-business centrist President Emmanuel Macron or blow up decades of mainstream consensus in favour of far-right Marine Le Pen.

Here's what to expect from them on major issues:

The Economy

Le Pen: The far-right heiress has transformed the former National Front, turning her father's free-market, small-government party into a big-spending, protectionist one.

She wants to implement a "Buy French" policy for public tenders, cut the minimum retirement age to 60 for those who started work before 20, scrap income tax for those aged under 30 and cut VAT on energy to 5.5 per cent from 20 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-elections-macron-faces-le-pen-in-presidential-runoff-470082" hreflang="en">French elections: Macron faces Le Pen in presidential runoff</a>

She would also spend 2 billion euros ($2.18 billion) over 5 years raising hospital workers' salaries and recruiting an extra 10,000 of them. Teachers' salaries would rise 15 per cent over 5 years.

Gilles Ivaldi, a political scientist at Sciences-Po, says her party's economic programme is further to the left than it has been for decades.

Macron:&nbsp;The French leader plans to double down on supply-side reforms he has implemented during his first mandate, with the main plank of his manifesto being an increase in the minimum pension age to 65 from 62.

Macron is also promising to make some welfare benefits conditional on 15-20 hours of training, similar to policies in countries such as the United States or Britain.

Unemployment insurance, which currently guarantees workers up to two-thirds of their salary for two years if they lose their job, would be linked to the strength of the economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidential-election-voting-starts-in-first-round-as-macron-seeks-new-term-469890" hreflang="en">French presidential election: Voting starts in first round as Macron seeks new term</a>

In his attempt to stay true to his "neither left nor right" motto, he has also promised to make benefits automatic for those who qualify instead of requiring would-be recipients to apply.

Europe

Le&nbsp;Pen: Although she has abandoned earlier plans to leave the euro and pay France's debt in newly created francs, Le Pen has nonetheless pledged to cut contributions to European Union coffers. Such a move would put Paris on a collision course with the European Commission and other EU members.

She insists French law should prevail over EU rules, in a challenge to the bloc's top court, and says she wants eventually to replace the EU with a "Europe of nations", though she has yet to spell out what that would look like.

Le Pen would also employ thousands more customs agents to check goods entering France, including from other EU countries, purportedly to fight fraud. Analysts say that would undermine the single market.

Watch |&nbsp;Macron finishes ahead of Marine Le Pen in first round of French presidential elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/macron-finishes-ahead-of-marine-le-pen-in-first-round-of-french-presidential-elections-470089/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Macron:&nbsp;The ardent Europhile would continue his push to develop what he calls Europe's "strategic autonomy" in defence, technology, agriculture and energy and reduce the bloc's dependence on other powers.

Over the past five years, Macron has sought to re-orient the EU towards a more protectionist stance, blocking some free-trade deals with other blocs such as Mercosur and creating a mechanism that increases scrutiny of outside takeovers of strategic EU companies.

Macron is also likely to push for more regulation of US&nbsp;tech giants and has said he wanted to create a "European metaverse" to compete with Facebook's.

The western alliance

Le Pen: Le Pen wants to pull France out of the transatlantic military alliance NATO's integrated command, in a challenge to the West's post-Cold War security architecture.

Opponents accuse her of being too close to Moscow. Her party received a bank loan from a Russian bank in 2014 and she was hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin shortly before the 2017 presidential election.

She has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine but says Moscow could be an ally again post-war.

In an interview with Reuters, she called herself a "Gaullist", after wartime leader Charles de Gaulle, and said she would pursue a foreign policy at an equal distance from Washington and Moscow.

Asked if she had a message to France's traditional allies, Britain and the United States, she said: "Drop the preconceived ideas you have about me."

Macron: Although Macron ruffled feathers across the trans-Atlantic alliance, notably in eastern Europe and Germany, when he called NATO "brain-dead" in 2019, he has since said the Russian invasion of Ukraine had "jolted it back to life".

He would nonetheless seek to make Europeans less dependent on the US&nbsp;military for security.

Macron has pushed the EU to focus more on the Indo-Pacific and China's rising influence in the region. However, he clashed with Washington, London and Canberra after Australia ditched a massive submarine deal with France.

He has been guarded over whether he would seek to cooperate with the new US-UK-Australia security alliance - dubbed AUKUS - against China or try and persuade the EU to pursue its own independent policy towards Beijing.

The French will decide on April 24 whether to re-elect pro-business centrist President Emmanuel Macron or blow up decades of mainstream consensus in favour of far-right Marine Le Pen.

The French will decide on April 24 whether to re-elect pro-business centrist President Emmanuel Macron or blow up decades of mainstream consensus in favour of far-right Marine Le Pen. Here's what to expect from them on major issues: The Economy Le Pen: The far-right heiress has transformed the former National Front, turning her father's free-market, small-government party into a big-spending, protectionist one. She wants to implement a "Buy French" policy for public tenders, cut the minimum retirement age to 60 for those who started work before 20, scrap income tax for those aged under 30 and cut VAT on energy to 5.5 per cent from 20 per cent. Also read | French elections: Macron faces Le Pen in presidential runoff She would also spend 2 billion euros ($2.18 billion) over 5 years raising hospital workers' salaries and recruiting an extra 10,000 of them. Teachers' salaries would rise 15 per cent over 5 years. Gilles Ivaldi, a political scientist at Sciences-Po, says her party's economic programme is further to the left than it has been for decades. Macron: The French leader plans to double down on supply-side reforms he has implemented during his first mandate, with the main plank of his manifesto being an increase in the minimum pension age to 65 from 62. Macron is also promising to make some welfare benefits conditional on 15-20 hours of training, similar to policies in countries such as the United States or Britain. Unemployment insurance, which currently guarantees workers up to two-thirds of their salary for two years if they lose their job, would be linked to the strength of the economy. Also read | French presidential election: Voting starts in first round as Macron seeks new term In his attempt to stay true to his "neither left nor right" motto, he has also promised to make benefits automatic for those who qualify instead of requiring would-be recipients to apply. Europe Le Pen: Although she has abandoned earlier plans to leave the euro and pay France's debt in newly created francs, Le Pen has nonetheless pledged to cut contributions to European Union coffers. Such a move would put Paris on a collision course with the European Commission and other EU members. She insists French law should prevail over EU rules, in a challenge to the bloc's top court, and says she wants eventually to replace the EU with a "Europe of nations", though she has yet to spell out what that would look like. Le Pen would also employ thousands more customs agents to check goods entering France, including from other EU countries, purportedly to fight fraud. Analysts say that would undermine the single market. Watch | Macron finishes ahead of Marine Le Pen in first round of French presidential elections Macron: The ardent Europhile would continue his push to develop what he calls Europe's "strategic autonomy" in defence, technology, agriculture and energy and reduce the bloc's dependence on other powers. Over the past five years, Macron has sought to re-orient the EU towards a more protectionist stance, blocking some free-trade deals with other blocs such as Mercosur and creating a mechanism that increases scrutiny of outside takeovers of strategic EU companies. Macron is also likely to push for more regulation of US tech giants and has said he wanted to create a "European metaverse" to compete with Facebook's. The western alliance Le Pen: Le Pen wants to pull France out of the transatlantic military alliance NATO's integrated command, in a challenge to the West's post-Cold War security architecture. Opponents accuse her of being too close to Moscow. Her party received a bank loan from a Russian bank in 2014 and she was hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin shortly before the 2017 presidential election. She has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine but says Moscow could be an ally again post-war. In an interview with Reuters, she called herself a "Gaullist", after wartime leader Charles de Gaulle, and said she would pursue a foreign policy at an equal distance from Washington and Moscow. Asked if she had a message to France's traditional allies, Britain and the United States, she said: "Drop the preconceived ideas you have about me." Macron: Although Macron ruffled feathers across the trans-Atlantic alliance, notably in eastern Europe and Germany, when he called NATO "brain-dead" in 2019, he has since said the Russian invasion of Ukraine had "jolted it back to life". He would nonetheless seek to make Europeans less dependent on the US military for security. Macron has pushed the EU to focus more on the Indo-Pacific and China's rising influence in the region. However, he clashed with Washington, London and Canberra after Australia ditched a massive submarine deal with France. He has been guarded over whether he would seek to cooperate with the new US-UK-Australia security alliance - dubbed AUKUS - against China or try and persuade the EU to pursue its own independent policy towards Beijing.

Explainer | Macron or Le Pen: Why it matters for France, the EU and the West

marie-le-pen

Marie Le Pen, News on Marie Le Pen, stories on Marie Le Pen, articles on Marie Le Pen, Marie Le Pen stories at Wion, Marie Le Pen news, Marie Le Pen latest news

marie le-pen