In France, the first round of voting for the presidential election concluded. Partial results after the first round are putting incumbent president Emmanuel Macron in first place ahead of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.

French Presidential Elections: Macron, Le Pen emerge as top two competitors in round one of voting

President Emmanuel Macron has accused his opponent in the French election, Marine Le Pen of running a racist programme. He was referring to her proposal of imposing a fine on any woman wearing the Islamic headscarf in public.

Leader of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National) party, the anti-immigration, eurosceptic far-right Le Pen has boosted her ratings in the opinion polls by a months-long focus on the cost of living issues.

Macron told Le Parisien newspaper, "Her fundamentals have not changed: it's a racist programme that aims to divide society and is very brutal."

"Look at what happened with Brexit, and so many other elections: what looked improbable actually happened," he added.

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Macron said, "Mrs Le Pen is financially dependent on Mr Putin and his regime and has always showed complacency towards him."

"Nothing is taken for granted... (but) I have a spirit of conquest more than a spirit of defeat."

Rejecting the allegation, Le Pen said her policies would benefit all French people, independently of their origins.

During a rally, in which her supporters chanted "We will win! We will win!", she said "We are ready, and the French are with us."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-emmanuel-macron-to-valerie-pecresse-top-challengers-for-elysee-palace-459263">Also see |&nbsp;From Emmanuel Macron to Le Pen: Top challengers for Elysee Palace</a>

She urged French citizens to cast a ballot for her to deliver "the fair punishment which those who have governed us so badly deserve."

Voting in France begins at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday (April 10) and ends at 1800 GMT. The first exit poll will be published when voting closes.

Political analysts believe that Macron's focus on an unpopular plan to increase the retirement age along with a steep rise in inflation have dented the president's ratings.

Although Macron is currently leading in polls with Le Pen behind him, several surveys now say this is within the margin of error

Macron had easily Le Pen in the 2017 run-off. If he wins again, he will be the first French president since Jacques Chirac in 2002 to get re-elected.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Emmanuel Macron has accused his opponent in the French election, Marine Le Pen of running a racist programme. He was referring to her proposal of imposing a fine on any woman wearing the Islamic headscarf in public.

President Emmanuel Macron has accused his opponent in the French election, Marine Le Pen of running a racist programme. He was referring to her proposal of imposing a fine on any woman wearing the Islamic headscarf in public. Leader of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National) party, the anti-immigration, eurosceptic far-right Le Pen has boosted her ratings in the opinion polls by a months-long focus on the cost of living issues. Macron told Le Parisien newspaper, "Her fundamentals have not changed: it's a racist programme that aims to divide society and is very brutal." "Look at what happened with Brexit, and so many other elections: what looked improbable actually happened," he added. Macron said, "Mrs Le Pen is financially dependent on Mr Putin and his regime and has always showed complacency towards him." "Nothing is taken for granted... (but) I have a spirit of conquest more than a spirit of defeat." Rejecting the allegation, Le Pen said her policies would benefit all French people, independently of their origins. During a rally, in which her supporters chanted "We will win! We will win!", she said "We are ready, and the French are with us." Also see | From Emmanuel Macron to Le Pen: Top challengers for Elysee Palace She urged French citizens to cast a ballot for her to deliver "the fair punishment which those who have governed us so badly deserve." Voting in France begins at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday (April 10) and ends at 1800 GMT. The first exit poll will be published when voting closes. Political analysts believe that Macron's focus on an unpopular plan to increase the retirement age along with a steep rise in inflation have dented the president's ratings. Although Macron is currently leading in polls with Le Pen behind him, several surveys now say this is within the margin of error Macron had easily Le Pen in the 2017 run-off. If he wins again, he will be the first French president since Jacques Chirac in 2002 to get re-elected. (With inputs from agencies)

French election: Macron accuses opponent Le Pen of running racist programme that can divide society

Voting in France has begun and if the opinion polls are to be believed, Macron is set to become the first leader to win a second term in office. But, the competition is neck and neck between Macron and Le Pen.

France elections: Will Emmanuel Macron get a second term?

Voting started at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) in France on Sunday (April 10) in the first round of a presidential election. It will close at 1800 GMT, when the first exit polls will be published.&nbsp;

In total twelve candidates are running for president. These include two far-right candidates, a communist, a hard-left veteran, and contenders from the beleaguered mainstream centre-right and centre-left parties.

Political analysts have warned that the election, overshadowed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, could lead to unpredictable outcomes with turnout a major factor.

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Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is posing an unexpected threat to President Emmanuel Macron's re-election hopes.

The polls suggest a close-fought contest, with Macron's projected lead in the runoff within the margin of error.

Pro-European Union, centrist Macron's focus on an unpopular plan to increase the retirement age along with a steep rise in inflation have dented the president's ratings.

Meanwhile, anti-immigration, eurosceptic far-right Le Pen has been boosted by a months-long focus on the cost of living issues.&nbsp;

The big drop in support for her rival on the far-right, Eric Zemmour also helped in accelerating her approval ratings.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-emmanuel-macron-to-valerie-pecresse-top-challengers-for-elysee-palace-459263" hreflang="en">From Emmanuel Macron to Marine Le Pen: Top challengers for Elysee Palace</a>

French political scientist Pascal Perrineau said "There is an uncertainty," referring to the unprecedentedly high numbers of voters who were still undecided or who changed their minds.

Advocacy group 'A Vote' went door to door to inform and encourage young people to vote in the election.

Pollster Ipsos last month forecast a record number of voters would abstain in this month's election. If it is confirmed then would raise the likelihood of a surprise, analysts said.

Since the 1980s, turnout rates in French elections have been on a downwards trend. Interior Ministry data shows more than a fifth of French voters sat out at least one round in 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

Voting started at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) in France on Sunday (April 10) in the first round of a presidential election. It will close at 1800 GMT, when the first exit polls will be published.

Voting started at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) in France on Sunday (April 10) in the first round of a presidential election. It will close at 1800 GMT, when the first exit polls will be published. In total twelve candidates are running for president. These include two far-right candidates, a communist, a hard-left veteran, and contenders from the beleaguered mainstream centre-right and centre-left parties. Political analysts have warned that the election, overshadowed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, could lead to unpredictable outcomes with turnout a major factor. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is posing an unexpected threat to President Emmanuel Macron's re-election hopes. The polls suggest a close-fought contest, with Macron's projected lead in the runoff within the margin of error. Pro-European Union, centrist Macron's focus on an unpopular plan to increase the retirement age along with a steep rise in inflation have dented the president's ratings. Meanwhile, anti-immigration, eurosceptic far-right Le Pen has been boosted by a months-long focus on the cost of living issues. The big drop in support for her rival on the far-right, Eric Zemmour also helped in accelerating her approval ratings. Also see | From Emmanuel Macron to Marine Le Pen: Top challengers for Elysee Palace French political scientist Pascal Perrineau said "There is an uncertainty," referring to the unprecedentedly high numbers of voters who were still undecided or who changed their minds. Advocacy group 'A Vote' went door to door to inform and encourage young people to vote in the election. Pollster Ipsos last month forecast a record number of voters would abstain in this month's election. If it is confirmed then would raise the likelihood of a surprise, analysts said. Since the 1980s, turnout rates in French elections have been on a downwards trend. Interior Ministry data shows more than a fifth of French voters sat out at least one round in 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

French presidential election: Voting starts in first round as Macron seeks new term

In opinion polls for the French election 2022, Marine Le Pen is closing the gap on Emmanuel Macron, but who is Marine Le Pen? What are her political views? Why is she a controversial figure? Watch this video to know all about Marine Le Pen.

Emmanuel Macron vs Marine Le Pen: Why is she a controversial figure?

Polls in the French election are indicating a tight race between far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen and President Emmanuel Macron.

Addressing her supporters, Le Pen said "Never before has the prospect of a real change been so close, but it depends on you."&nbsp;

"Never forget and tell people around you: if the people vote, the people will win," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-macron-frances-troubled-industries-hit-home-468687" hreflang="en">For Macron, France’s troubled industries hit home</a>

Comparing Macron to a ''stunned boxer,'' Le Pen made her case on why she should be made the first female president of France.

"Never in the history of the republic has a woman occupied the role of the head of state," she said.

She has introduced a proposal for allowing French people to start working at a younger age and retire earlier. However, Macron is pushing to shift the retirement age from 62 to 65.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-emmanuel-macron-to-valerie-pecresse-top-challengers-for-elysee-palace-459263">Also see |&nbsp;From Emmanuel Macron to Valerie Pecresse: Top challengers for Elysee Palace</a>

In recent weeks, Macron has lost lead over his competitors while Le Pen is closing the gap. He is struggling to play the Russia card against her.

Hinting at Le Pen's past admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Macron said, ''I have never been an accomplice [of Putin], unlike others.''

In 2017, she had lost the second round of French election with a difference of approximately one-third of a vote.

(With inputs from agencies)

Polls in the French election are indicating a tight race between far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen and President Emmanuel Macron. Addressing her supporters, Le Pen said "Never before has the prospect of a real change been so close, but it depends on you.

Polls in the French election are indicating a tight race between far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen and President Emmanuel Macron. Addressing her supporters, Le Pen said "Never before has the prospect of a real change been so close, but it depends on you." "Never forget and tell people around you: if the people vote, the people will win," she added. Also read | For Macron, France’s troubled industries hit home Comparing Macron to a ''stunned boxer,'' Le Pen made her case on why she should be made the first female president of France. "Never in the history of the republic has a woman occupied the role of the head of state," she said. She has introduced a proposal for allowing French people to start working at a younger age and retire earlier. However, Macron is pushing to shift the retirement age from 62 to 65. Also see | From Emmanuel Macron to Valerie Pecresse: Top challengers for Elysee Palace In recent weeks, Macron has lost lead over his competitors while Le Pen is closing the gap. He is struggling to play the Russia card against her. Hinting at Le Pen's past admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Macron said, ''I have never been an accomplice [of Putin], unlike others.'' In 2017, she had lost the second round of French election with a difference of approximately one-third of a vote. (With inputs from agencies)

French presidential election 2022 polls: Tight race between Marine Le Pen and President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;voiced regret on Friday for starting campaigning&nbsp;late&nbsp;as opinion polls showed him holding a slender&nbsp;lead over the far-right candidate Marine&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen, who he warned would scare investors away from France.

Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;has surged in the polls in recent weeks and is expected to face off in the second round against&nbsp;Macron, whose re-election was thought to be a foregone conclusion even a few weeks ago.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-opens-tax-fraud-probe-over-consultancies-in-government-468999">&nbsp;France opens tax fraud probe over consultancies in government</a>

Macron&nbsp;is still ahead in the polls for the second-round match-up, but his&nbsp;lead is within the margin of error.

"Who could have understood six weeks ago that all of sudden I would start political rallies, that I would focus on domestic issues when the war started in Ukraine,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;told RTL radio.

"So it is a fact that I entered (the campaign) even&nbsp;later than I wished,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said, adding that he retained a "spirit of conquest rather than of defeat."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: France Election: Anti-semitism takes centrestage

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If&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;is elected this month, her social programme will drive away international investors,&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said in an interview with daily&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Parisien.

"Her program will create massive unemployment because it will drive international investors away and it will not hold up budget-wise," he said.

"Her fundamentals have not changed: it is a racist program that aims to divide society and is very brutal."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-and-le-pen-battle-over-pensions-as-french-election-race-tightens-468274">Macron and Le Pen battle over pensions as French election race tightens</a>

Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;told France Info radio on Friday: "Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;does not know my program... he must think it is that of (far-left contender) Jean-Luc Melenchon."

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced regret on Friday for starting campaigning late as opinion polls showed him holding a slender lead over the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who he warned would scare investors away from France.

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced regret on Friday for starting campaigning late as opinion polls showed him holding a slender lead over the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who he warned would scare investors away from France. Le Pen has surged in the polls in recent weeks and is expected to face off in the second round against Macron, whose re-election was thought to be a foregone conclusion even a few weeks ago. Also read | France opens tax fraud probe over consultancies in government Macron is still ahead in the polls for the second-round match-up, but his lead is within the margin of error. "Who could have understood six weeks ago that all of sudden I would start political rallies, that I would focus on domestic issues when the war started in Ukraine," Macron told RTL radio. "So it is a fact that I entered (the campaign) even later than I wished," Macron said, adding that he retained a "spirit of conquest rather than of defeat." Watch | Gravitas: France Election: Anti-semitism takes centrestage If Le Pen is elected this month, her social programme will drive away international investors, Macron said in an interview with daily Le Parisien. "Her program will create massive unemployment because it will drive international investors away and it will not hold up budget-wise," he said. "Her fundamentals have not changed: it is a racist program that aims to divide society and is very brutal." Also read | Macron and Le Pen battle over pensions as French election race tightens Le Pen told France Info radio on Friday: "Emmanuel Macron does not know my program... he must think it is that of (far-left contender) Jean-Luc Melenchon."

Macron regrets entering France's presidential race late as Le Pen cuts lead

Marine Le Pen, a far-right presidential contender in France, promised to punish Muslims who wear headscarves in public on Thursday, as politicians made a final push for votes three days before an election that is becoming tighter.&nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron gained an impregnable lead ahead of the first round of voting on Sunday, but Le Pen has narrowed the gap and believes she has a real chance of winning the April 24 run-off.

With France's main right- and left-wing parties in shambles, far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is on track to finish third, and he still thinks he can force a run-off.

Le Pen outlined how her commitment to prohibiting the headscarf in all public venues would be implemented to RTL radio, stating it would be enforced by police in the same manner that seatbelts are imposed in cars.&nbsp;

"People will be given a fine in the same way that it is illegal to not wear your seat belt. It seems to me that the police are very much able to enforce this measure," she said.

Le Pen has said she will use referendums to try to avoid constitutional challenges to many of her proposed laws on the basis that they are discriminatory and an infringement on personal freedoms.

Watch | France's Marine Le Pen proposes a ban on Muslim headscarf

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Watch | Gravitas Plus: Women, Hijab &amp; Choice

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Previous legislation in France banning obvious religious symbols in schools or full-face coverings in public was allowed on the basis that it applied to all citizens and in specific settings.

Le Pen, 53, has toned down her anti-immigration rhetoric during campaigning this year and has focused instead on household spending, putting her closer than ever to power, polls indicate.

The latest surveys suggest she is within striking distance of centrist Macron if the two of them come top in the first round of voting on Sunday.

A second-round run-off election is set for April 24, with surveys showing Macron with a modest advantage of 54 percent to 46 percent over Le Pen.

Melenchon is also surging ahead of the election, and he's touting his chances of surprising voters.

The crisis in Ukraine, as well as stresses on the health system following two years of Covid-19, are among the top voter concerns, trailing only inflation and earnings.&nbsp;

France is home to Western Europe's largest Muslim population, a group that has seen rising prejudice in recent years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Marine Le Pen, a far-right presidential contender in France, promised to punish Muslims who wear headscarves in public on Thursday, as politicians made a final push for votes three days before an election that is becoming tighter.

Marine Le Pen, a far-right presidential contender in France, promised to punish Muslims who wear headscarves in public on Thursday, as politicians made a final push for votes three days before an election that is becoming tighter. President Emmanuel Macron gained an impregnable lead ahead of the first round of voting on Sunday, but Le Pen has narrowed the gap and believes she has a real chance of winning the April 24 run-off. With France's main right- and left-wing parties in shambles, far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is on track to finish third, and he still thinks he can force a run-off. Le Pen outlined how her commitment to prohibiting the headscarf in all public venues would be implemented to RTL radio, stating it would be enforced by police in the same manner that seatbelts are imposed in cars. "People will be given a fine in the same way that it is illegal to not wear your seat belt. It seems to me that the police are very much able to enforce this measure," she said. Le Pen has said she will use referendums to try to avoid constitutional challenges to many of her proposed laws on the basis that they are discriminatory and an infringement on personal freedoms. Watch | France's Marine Le Pen proposes a ban on Muslim headscarf Watch | Gravitas Plus: Women, Hijab & Choice Previous legislation in France banning obvious religious symbols in schools or full-face coverings in public was allowed on the basis that it applied to all citizens and in specific settings. Le Pen, 53, has toned down her anti-immigration rhetoric during campaigning this year and has focused instead on household spending, putting her closer than ever to power, polls indicate. The latest surveys suggest she is within striking distance of centrist Macron if the two of them come top in the first round of voting on Sunday. A second-round run-off election is set for April 24, with surveys showing Macron with a modest advantage of 54 percent to 46 percent over Le Pen. Melenchon is also surging ahead of the election, and he's touting his chances of surprising voters. The crisis in Ukraine, as well as stresses on the health system following two years of Covid-19, are among the top voter concerns, trailing only inflation and earnings. France is home to Western Europe's largest Muslim population, a group that has seen rising prejudice in recent years. (With inputs from agencies)

'I promise fines for Muslims wearing headscarves': French Presidential candidate Marine Le Pen

In France, the race is tightening between the two front runners for the April 24th run off. Far right leader and candidate Marine Le Pen is staging a comeback in the polls as the presidential campaign gains momentum.

French Presidential Elections: Marine Le Pen gains momentum ahead of polls

The first phase of polling in France is to be held on April 10th. In a recent update on French elections, Le Pen has notched the highest ever score in the opinion polls.

French election race tightens: Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen battle over pensions

A stunning 32 percent of French voters say they might not vote on the upcoming presidential elections because they feel there is nothing new in the candidates' campaigns, the first round of polling will take place on the April 10.

French Presidential Elections | IPSOS Poll shows 32% of voters likely to abstain

The presidential race in France is heating up but this is an election that's also taking place at a time when Russia has invaded into Ukraine. The war risks becoming a key issue in in the French electoral politics, here's how!

French Elections: Marine Le Pen targeted over Russian ties, accused of being close to Putin

In France, the race is tightening between the two front runners for the April 24th run-off. Far-right leader and candidate Marine Le Pen is staging a comeback in the polls as her presidential campaign gains momentum.

French Elections 2022: Marine Le Pen at all-time high in polls

Presidential race is tightening until now Emmanuel Macron was expected to win again but the tide appears to be turning now. Opinion polls say his challengers are gaining ground, the French president himself admitted that this election could end in a Brexit style, our next report gets you all the details.

France Elections 2022: Macron's poll margin is reducing, will Marine Le Pen turn the tables?

With France's presidential&nbsp;race&nbsp;tightening ahead of Sunday's first round vote, favourites President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;and&nbsp;far-right challenger Marine&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;battled&nbsp;over&nbsp;pension reform on Monday.

Opinion polls have long predicted&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;will win a second term but&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;has tightened the gap, with polls showing the 44-year old president with only a six-point advantage in a likely run-off on April 24.

Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;has benefited from a campaign focused on purchasing power on which she doubled down on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-holds-first-rally-as-france-election-race-tightens-467714">Emmanuel Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens</a>

"Do you realise what retirement at 65 is? It's simply completely unfair," she told BFM TV, lambasting&nbsp;Macron's plan to increase the&nbsp;legal age at which one gets a full&nbsp;pension from 62 to 65.

Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;wants to keep the 62-year-old threshold and&nbsp;bring it down to 60 for those who started working before age 20. Pushing back the retirement age would hurt workers, she said, arguing that many would not manage to find a job at that age&nbsp;and&nbsp;would see their&nbsp;pension hit as a consequence

Macron, asked about criticism of his&nbsp;pension reform plans, told France Inter radio: "Those who tell you we can keep (the&nbsp;pension system) as it is now are lying to you."

Watch |&nbsp;France presidential elections: Will Macron win re-election bid?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-presidential-elections-will-macron-win-re-election-bid-468123/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Raising the retirement age - with exceptions for those who have tough jobs or worked longer than others - was needed to make the system viable&nbsp;and&nbsp;increase low&nbsp;pensions, he said.

Macron, when he belatedly entered the election campaign last month, said he would increase the retirement age, cut taxes and further loosen labour market rules, seeking a mandate to press on with pro-business reforms.

Stressing his pro-business credentials was not without risk as households feel the squeeze from rising prices&nbsp;and&nbsp;could put off a number of&nbsp;leftwing voters from backing him against&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;in a likely run-off on April 24.

On Saturday, in his only campaign rally before the first round,&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;tried to convince voters of the risk of a Brexit-style&nbsp;election upset that could see&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;take the far-right to power in France.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-far-right-leader-le-pen-closing-gap-on-macron-polls-466898">French far-right leader Le Pen closing gap on Macron: Polls</a>

"Look at what happened with Brexit,&nbsp;and&nbsp;so many other elections: what looked improbable&nbsp;actually happened," he said. "Nothing is impossible."

Even if&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;does win a second mandate, as polls still expect, the issue of&nbsp;pension reform, which dogged his first term, could be a problem, considering how widespread the opposition is.

One first, major challenge would be for his centre-right La Republique en Marche (LaRem) party, which has failed in all recent local elections, to win a parliamentary election in June.

With France's presidential race tightening ahead of Sunday's first round vote, favourites President Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen battled over pension reform on Monday.

With France's presidential race tightening ahead of Sunday's first round vote, favourites President Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen battled over pension reform on Monday. Opinion polls have long predicted Macron will win a second term but Le Pen has tightened the gap, with polls showing the 44-year old president with only a six-point advantage in a likely run-off on April 24. Le Pen has benefited from a campaign focused on purchasing power on which she doubled down on Monday. Also read | Emmanuel Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens "Do you realise what retirement at 65 is? It's simply completely unfair," she told BFM TV, lambasting Macron's plan to increase the legal age at which one gets a full pension from 62 to 65. Le Pen wants to keep the 62-year-old threshold and bring it down to 60 for those who started working before age 20. Pushing back the retirement age would hurt workers, she said, arguing that many would not manage to find a job at that age and would see their pension hit as a consequence Macron, asked about criticism of his pension reform plans, told France Inter radio: "Those who tell you we can keep (the pension system) as it is now are lying to you." Watch | France presidential elections: Will Macron win re-election bid? Raising the retirement age - with exceptions for those who have tough jobs or worked longer than others - was needed to make the system viable and increase low pensions, he said. Macron, when he belatedly entered the election campaign last month, said he would increase the retirement age, cut taxes and further loosen labour market rules, seeking a mandate to press on with pro-business reforms. Stressing his pro-business credentials was not without risk as households feel the squeeze from rising prices and could put off a number of leftwing voters from backing him against Le Pen in a likely run-off on April 24. On Saturday, in his only campaign rally before the first round, Macron tried to convince voters of the risk of a Brexit-style election upset that could see Le Pen take the far-right to power in France. Also read | French far-right leader Le Pen closing gap on Macron: Polls "Look at what happened with Brexit, and so many other elections: what looked improbable actually happened," he said. "Nothing is impossible." Even if Macron does win a second mandate, as polls still expect, the issue of pension reform, which dogged his first term, could be a problem, considering how widespread the opposition is. One first, major challenge would be for his centre-right La Republique en Marche (LaRem) party, which has failed in all recent local elections, to win a parliamentary election in June.

Macron and Le Pen battle over pensions as French election race tightens

Far-right&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;Marine&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;was jeered by&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in the&nbsp;French&nbsp;overseas territory of&nbsp;Guadeloupe, who streamed into a hotel where she was recording a television program, BFM TV reported on Sunday.

Protestors chanted “out&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen” and “racist&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen,” as they swarmed around the&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;on Saturday while&nbsp;she was escorted out of the room and through the hotel.

Her campaign intends to file&nbsp;a complaint, her spokesman Julien Odoul told Franceinfo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-to-file-criminal-complaint-against-care-group-orpea-465942">French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea</a>

"This is agitation from extreme&nbsp;left-wing militants, local Black groups who spoil everything, wherever they are active in the territory of the Republic," he said, referring to an anti-fascist movement that was often blamed for violence at street marches in France during the yellow vest movement.

Opinion polls show&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;and President Emmanuel Macron as the likely two&nbsp;candidates to come out top in the first round of the election on April 10 and go through to the April 24 run-off vote, with Macron seen as the eventual winner.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-summons-russian-envoy-over-unacceptable-tweets-that-mocked-europe-465545">&nbsp;France summons Russian envoy over 'unacceptable' tweets that mocked Europe</a>

The far-right&nbsp;leader has focused on domestic issues such as inflation and cost of living during a campaign that has been overshadowed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while&nbsp;Macron has been engaged in a flurry of diplomatic meetings, including NATO, G7 and European summits last week.

Watch |&nbsp;French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

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Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen was jeered by protesters in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, who streamed into a hotel where she was recording a television program, BFM TV reported on Sunday.

Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen was jeered by protesters in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, who streamed into a hotel where she was recording a television program, BFM TV reported on Sunday. Protestors chanted “out Le Pen” and “racist Le Pen,” as they swarmed around the candidate on Saturday while she was escorted out of the room and through the hotel. Her campaign intends to file a complaint, her spokesman Julien Odoul told Franceinfo. Also read | French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea "This is agitation from extreme left-wing militants, local Black groups who spoil everything, wherever they are active in the territory of the Republic," he said, referring to an anti-fascist movement that was often blamed for violence at street marches in France during the yellow vest movement. Opinion polls show Le Pen and President Emmanuel Macron as the likely two candidates to come out top in the first round of the election on April 10 and go through to the April 24 run-off vote, with Macron seen as the eventual winner. Also read | France summons Russian envoy over 'unacceptable' tweets that mocked Europe The far-right leader has focused on domestic issues such as inflation and cost of living during a campaign that has been overshadowed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while Macron has been engaged in a flurry of diplomatic meetings, including NATO, G7 and European summits last week. Watch | French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen heckled by protesters in Guadeloupe

Marine&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen, whose&nbsp;bid&nbsp;for the the&nbsp;French&nbsp;presidency&nbsp;was already in difficulty&nbsp;after&nbsp;a wave of&nbsp;defections, suffered a further blow&nbsp;after&nbsp;her far-right party accused her campaign spokesman of political espionage and suspended him.

In a memo sent to senior party officials, the Rassemblement National alleged Nicolas Bay, an erstwhile&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen loyalist and former secretary general of the party, had handed "strategic and confidential" campaign details to far-right&nbsp;rival&nbsp;Eric Zemmour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-presidential-candidate-eric-zemmour-says-us-is-working-to-divide-europe-447473">France: Presidential candidate Eric Zemmour says US is working to 'divide' Europe</a>

"This perfectly immoral behaviour amounts to sabotage," the party wrote in the memo, which was later distributed to media. "This duplicity is unworthy of the trust placed in him by the candidate, party members and party voters."

Zemmour, a talkshow star who has made a career out of pushing the bounds of political correctness with his nationalist rhetoric, is competing with&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen for votes among the far-right and staunch conservatives.

Polls show he has eaten into the voter base of both&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen and mainstream conservative contender Valerie Pecresse.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marine-le-pen-accuses-french-government-of-breaking-law-by-hanging-eu-flag-off-arc-de-triomphe-441768">&nbsp;Marine Le Pen accuses French government of breaking law by hanging EU flag off Arc de Triomphe</a>

Bay, a European Parliament lawmaker, described the allegation as preposterous. "How could I have been in possession of, and passed on, so-called 'strategic information' without being a part of the campaign&nbsp;leadership at any time," Bay said on Twitter.

He said he had been shut out from the Rassemblement National an hour&nbsp;after&nbsp;its executive committee had met on his request to discuss the "crisis" the party was facing up against Zemmour.

In recent weeks,&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen, who is making her third run for the Elysee Palace, has seen her only senator and her top European lawmaker, among others, defect to Zemmour's campaign. Her niece Marion Marechal, a popular figure among far-right supporters, has also called Zemmour the better candidate.

Watch |&nbsp;France: Police fire tear gas as thousands protest against COVID-19 curbs

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Zemmour is now polling neck-and-neck with Pecresse and closing the gap on&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen for a place in April's second-round run-off, with President Emmanuel Macron - who has yet to formally declare his candidacy - the frontrunner, voter surveys show.

Marine Le Pen, whose bid for the the French presidency was already in difficulty after a wave of defections, suffered a further blow after her far-right party accused her campaign spokesman of political espionage and suspended him.

Marine Le Pen, whose bid for the the French presidency was already in difficulty after a wave of defections, suffered a further blow after her far-right party accused her campaign spokesman of political espionage and suspended him. In a memo sent to senior party officials, the Rassemblement National alleged Nicolas Bay, an erstwhile Le Pen loyalist and former secretary general of the party, had handed "strategic and confidential" campaign details to far-right rival Eric Zemmour. Also read | France: Presidential candidate Eric Zemmour says US is working to 'divide' Europe "This perfectly immoral behaviour amounts to sabotage," the party wrote in the memo, which was later distributed to media. "This duplicity is unworthy of the trust placed in him by the candidate, party members and party voters." Zemmour, a talkshow star who has made a career out of pushing the bounds of political correctness with his nationalist rhetoric, is competing with Le Pen for votes among the far-right and staunch conservatives. Polls show he has eaten into the voter base of both Le Pen and mainstream conservative contender Valerie Pecresse. Also read | Marine Le Pen accuses French government of breaking law by hanging EU flag off Arc de Triomphe Bay, a European Parliament lawmaker, described the allegation as preposterous. "How could I have been in possession of, and passed on, so-called 'strategic information' without being a part of the campaign leadership at any time," Bay said on Twitter. He said he had been shut out from the Rassemblement National an hour after its executive committee had met on his request to discuss the "crisis" the party was facing up against Zemmour. In recent weeks, Le Pen, who is making her third run for the Elysee Palace, has seen her only senator and her top European lawmaker, among others, defect to Zemmour's campaign. Her niece Marion Marechal, a popular figure among far-right supporters, has also called Zemmour the better candidate. Watch | France: Police fire tear gas as thousands protest against COVID-19 curbs Zemmour is now polling neck-and-neck with Pecresse and closing the gap on Le Pen for a place in April's second-round run-off, with President Emmanuel Macron - who has yet to formally declare his candidacy - the frontrunner, voter surveys show.

After defections, Le Pen's French presidency bid hit by leaks to rival

French far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour has said that the United States is working to ''divide'' Europe.

Speaking as part of an interview with the France 5 television channel he said Paris should stop “being a tool of the United States.”&nbsp;

“The US is trying to divide Russia from France and Germany, and every time they get closer to each other, the Americans find a way to divide them,” he said.

He also proposed that if he were elected to the top job, “there would be no more sanctions against Russia.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marine-le-pen-accuses-french-government-of-breaking-law-by-hanging-eu-flag-off-arc-de-triomphe-441768">Also read |&nbsp;Marine Le Pen accuses French government of breaking law by hanging EU flag off Arc de Triomphe</a>

Former TV talk show host Zemmour and Marine Le Pen are vying for the far-right vote, hoping to beat President Emmanuel Macron in the April election.

For several weeks last year, opinion polls indicated that Zemmour,&nbsp;who has been convicted several times for inciting racial hatred,&nbsp;had a chance of placing second in the presidential poll and facing Macron in a run-off. His campaign has since lost some steam and he now polls fourth.

Opinion polls put Macron in the lead, followed by Le Pen or conservative challenger Valerie Pecresse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidential-contender-eric-zemmour-caught-flipping-off-hater-432935">Also read |&nbsp;French presidential contender Eric Zemmour caught flipping off hater&nbsp;</a>

Zemmour was recently found guilty of racist hate speech for a televised tirade against unaccompanied child migrants.

He drew widespread outrange in September 2020 when he told the CNews channel that child migrants were "thieves, killers, they're rapists. That's all they are. We should send them back".

Zemmour, a media pundit who is struggling to assemble the endorsements from elected officials required to compete in April's presidential vote, did not appear in court to hear the verdict, having skipped his trial in November.

In 2016, he had claimed that Philippe Petain, who headed the Vichy government during World War II, in collaboration with Nazi Germany, had actually "saved" French Jews.

(With inputs from agencies)

French far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour has said that the United States is working to ''divide'' Europe. Speaking as part of an interview with the France 5 television channel he said Paris should stop “being a tool of the United States.

French far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour has said that the United States is working to ''divide'' Europe. Speaking as part of an interview with the France 5 television channel he said Paris should stop “being a tool of the United States.” “The US is trying to divide Russia from France and Germany, and every time they get closer to each other, the Americans find a way to divide them,” he said. He also proposed that if he were elected to the top job, “there would be no more sanctions against Russia.” Also read | Marine Le Pen accuses French government of breaking law by hanging EU flag off Arc de Triomphe Former TV talk show host Zemmour and Marine Le Pen are vying for the far-right vote, hoping to beat President Emmanuel Macron in the April election. For several weeks last year, opinion polls indicated that Zemmour, who has been convicted several times for inciting racial hatred, had a chance of placing second in the presidential poll and facing Macron in a run-off. His campaign has since lost some steam and he now polls fourth. Opinion polls put Macron in the lead, followed by Le Pen or conservative challenger Valerie Pecresse. Also read | French presidential contender Eric Zemmour caught flipping off hater Zemmour was recently found guilty of racist hate speech for a televised tirade against unaccompanied child migrants. He drew widespread outrange in September 2020 when he told the CNews channel that child migrants were "thieves, killers, they're rapists. That's all they are. We should send them back". Zemmour, a media pundit who is struggling to assemble the endorsements from elected officials required to compete in April's presidential vote, did not appear in court to hear the verdict, having skipped his trial in November. In 2016, he had claimed that Philippe Petain, who headed the Vichy government during World War II, in collaboration with Nazi Germany, had actually "saved" French Jews. (With inputs from agencies)

France: Presidential candidate Eric Zemmour says US is working to 'divide' Europe

Right-wing contender in the 2022 French presidential election, Marine Le Pen, has accused the French government of breaking the law by hanging European Union's flag off the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

According to her, “To adorn the Arc de Triomphe with the sole colors of the European Union, without the presence of a national flag, is a real attack on our nation’s identity, because this monument honors our military glories and houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”

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To mark the start of the six-month presidency, France illuminated historic buildings across the country including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in the blue of the EU flag on New Year's Eve.

Marine Le Pen also slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for betraying the duties of his office and displaying arrogant contempt for our history for the sake of personal ambition.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/towards-a-greener-future-france-starts-banning-plastic-packaging-of-fruits-and-vegetables-441580">Also read |&nbsp;Towards a greener future: France starts banning plastic packaging of fruits and vegetables</a>

In response, Junior European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune said the display was only temporary.&nbsp;

"The French flag has not been replaced. The election campaign is not a free pass for petty lies and controversies," he tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🔵 À partir de ce soir et demain, dans de nombreuses villes, nos monuments vont s’illuminer en bleu, pour marquer le début de la Présidence 🇫🇷 de l’🇪🇺 ! 
 
👉🏻 N’hésitez pas à les prendre en photo 📸📸📸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PFUE2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PFUE2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/KtUJmOwrtY">pic.twitter.com/KtUJmOwrtY</a>
— Clement Beaune (@CBeaune) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBeaune/status/1476912265756561412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The French conservative party's candidate for next year's presidential election promised to make France Europe's strongest power and stop "uncontrolled immigration" in her first major campaign speech.

France took over the rotating presidency of the European Union on Saturday, affording President Emmanuel Macron the chance to pose as the EU's de facto leader in the run-up to national elections in April.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-dozens-of-cars-torched-on-new-years-eve-by-rioters-on-violence-spree-353854">Also read |&nbsp;France: Dozens of cars torched on New Year’s Eve by rioters on violence spree</a>

The 44-year-old has never made any secret of his ambitions to be the motor for further European integration, serving over the last four years as a dynamic sidekick to the more steady German chancellor Angela Merkel in Europe's power couple.

With Merkel now retired and the timely gift of the rotating presidency of the EU Council from January 1, Macron has announced an ambitious agenda for the 27-member bloc that could also serve his domestic campaign for re-election.

"The year 2022 must be a turning point for Europe," he said in a New Year's Eve national address that hailed the EU's role during the Covid-19 crisis.

Referring to the French presidency, he vowed that "you can count on my complete commitment to ensure that this period, which comes around every 13 years, is a time of progress for you".

The centrist, who made his Europhile views a key part of his political campaign when winning the presidency in 2017, is hoping it will again serve him in elections scheduled for April 10 and 24.

(With inputs from agencies)

Right-wing contender in the 2022 French presidential election, Marine Le Pen, has accused the French government of breaking the law by hanging European Union's flag off the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Right-wing contender in the 2022 French presidential election, Marine Le Pen, has accused the French government of breaking the law by hanging European Union's flag off the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. According to her, “To adorn the Arc de Triomphe with the sole colors of the European Union, without the presence of a national flag, is a real attack on our nation’s identity, because this monument honors our military glories and houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” To mark the start of the six-month presidency, France illuminated historic buildings across the country including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in the blue of the EU flag on New Year's Eve. Marine Le Pen also slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for betraying the duties of his office and displaying arrogant contempt for our history for the sake of personal ambition.” Also read | Towards a greener future: France starts banning plastic packaging of fruits and vegetables In response, Junior European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune said the display was only temporary. "The French flag has not been replaced. The election campaign is not a free pass for petty lies and controversies," he tweeted. 🔵 À partir de ce soir et demain, dans de nombreuses villes, nos monuments vont s’illuminer en bleu, pour marquer le début de la Présidence 🇫🇷 de l’🇪🇺 ! 👉🏻 N’hésitez pas à les prendre en photo 📸📸📸 #PFUE2022 pic.twitter.com/KtUJmOwrtY — Clement Beaune (@CBeaune) December 31, 2021 × The French conservative party's candidate for next year's presidential election promised to make France Europe's strongest power and stop "uncontrolled immigration" in her first major campaign speech. France took over the rotating presidency of the European Union on Saturday, affording President Emmanuel Macron the chance to pose as the EU's de facto leader in the run-up to national elections in April. Also read | France: Dozens of cars torched on New Year’s Eve by rioters on violence spree The 44-year-old has never made any secret of his ambitions to be the motor for further European integration, serving over the last four years as a dynamic sidekick to the more steady German chancellor Angela Merkel in Europe's power couple. With Merkel now retired and the timely gift of the rotating presidency of the EU Council from January 1, Macron has announced an ambitious agenda for the 27-member bloc that could also serve his domestic campaign for re-election. "The year 2022 must be a turning point for Europe," he said in a New Year's Eve national address that hailed the EU's role during the Covid-19 crisis. Referring to the French presidency, he vowed that "you can count on my complete commitment to ensure that this period, which comes around every 13 years, is a time of progress for you". The centrist, who made his Europhile views a key part of his political campaign when winning the presidency in 2017, is hoping it will again serve him in elections scheduled for April 10 and 24. (With inputs from agencies)

Marine Le Pen accuses French government of breaking law by hanging EU flag off Arc de Triomphe

France’s election season began in force this week, with candidates for the presidency launching their bids or holding campaign-style events. But the person who stole the show was not a candidate, or even a politician, but a right-wing writer and TV star channeling Donald Trump.

Éric Zemmour became one of France’s top TV celebrities through his punditry on CNews, a Fox News-like channel, even as he was sanctioned twice for inciting racial hatred. This week he dominated news media coverage in the kickoff to elections next April.

A poll released Wednesday shows him rising among potential voters, beating out declared candidates such as the mayor of Paris. While his share would appear to put the presidency out of reach, he could disrupt the long-anticipated scenario of a duel between President Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deepening-partnership-with-india-eu-steps-up-engagement-in-indo-pacific-with-new-plan-413844">Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan</a>

In a well-orchestrated blitz that blurred the lines between media and politics, Zemmour, 63, one of France’s bestselling writers, released a new book Thursday titled "France Has Not Said Its Last Word Yet," with a cover showing him standing with arms crossed in front of the French flag.

Zemmour said the cover had been modeled after Trump's “Great Again,” the 2015 book that outlined his political agenda before his election victory the following year, and that showed Trump in front of the American flag.

The cover, Zemmour said, was not the only way Trump had inspired him. While Zemmour coyly deflected long-standing rumors of a possible candidacy, this month he has sent stronger signals that he may follow Trump in a leap from television to politics.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-kept-india-in-loop-regarding-aukus-at-the-highest-level-413782" hreflang="en">Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level</a>

"Obviously, there are common points," Zemmour said. “In other words, someone who is completely from outside the party system, who never had a political career and who, furthermore, understood that the major concerns of the working class are immigration and trade.”

In France's two-round presidential election, the two top vote-getters in the first round meet in a runoff. Macron has aggressively courted the traditional, more moderate right in a strategy to produce a final showdown with Le Pen, whom he beat in 2017. But the presence of Zemmour, with his appeal across the right side of France’s political spectrum, could upset that calculus.

"French politics has become totally unpredictable," said Nicolas Lebourg, a political scientist specializing in the right and far-right.

"In this extremely fluid context, things could end with the election of a Republican president after Macron is defeated because Zemmour picks up a few points," Lebourg added, referring to the Republicans, the party of the traditional right.

The poll released Wednesday showed 10% of voters supporting Zemmour in the first round of the election, up from 7% a week earlier and 5% in July. He is one of the few candidates registering in the double digits, outscoring some from France’s established parties, including the Socialist mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo.

According to a poll published Monday, Zemmour is one of the few candidates to draw support from both the French traditional right and far-right — a point he underscored in the interview, saying that the far-right National Rally "puts off the French bourgeoisie," while the Republicans "have only an extremely aging constituency and don’t connect with the young or the working class."

The poll also showed he is strong with the working class, men and young voters.

"His straight talk appeals a lot to a generation that has been very disappointed by politicians'&nbsp;lies and that is very mistrustful of the media," said François de Voyer, a host and financial supporter of Black Book, a 7-month-old YouTube channel that has featured long interviews with Zemmour and other personalities, mostly from the right and far right. He said Zemmour gives the impression of "never hiding what he thinks, even if it means making controversial remarks," adding, "I think it has the effect of creating trust."

Still, a run by Zemmour — whose hard-line views on immigration, Islam’s place in France and national identity are regarded as being to the right of Le Pen — would immediately inject into the election some of the most explosive issues in an increasingly polarized society.

A longtime journalist for the conservative daily Le Figaro, Zemmour became a bestselling author in the past decade with books that described a France in decline, under threat from what he claimed was an Islam that doesn’t share France’s core values. His celebrity and influence rose to another level after he became the star of CNews in 2019, where, each evening in prime time, he expounded on his ideas to hundreds of thousands of viewers.

He has portrayed himself as a truth-teller in a news media dominated by politically correct, left-leaning journalists. He has railed against the immigration of Muslim Africans, invoking the existential threat of a great replacement — a loaded term that even Le Pen has avoided — that will overwhelm France’s more established white and Christian population.

Over the weekend, Zemmour said that, if he were president, he would ban "non-French" first names like Mohammed and Kevin, because they created obstacles to an assimilation process that used to turn immigrants into what he considered real French people.

These kinds of comments have occasionally drawn the attention of French authorities. In May, the government broadcast regulator fined CNews 200,000 euros, about $236,000, for speech inciting racial hatred. On his show in September 2020, Zemmour had said that unaccompanied foreign minors should be expelled from France, calling them “thieves,” “killers” and “rapists.”

Some presidential candidates from the Republicans dismissed Zemmour’s challenge. Xavier Bertrand, the leader of a region in northern France, said Zemmour was a “great divider.” Valérie Pécresse, the head of the Paris region, said he offered “no genuine proposals.”

Lebourg, said Zemmour’s “ethnic nationalism” was rooted in the ideology of the National Front of the 1990s, the predecessor to the National Rally that was led by Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie Le Pen. More than any other individual, Zemmour succeeded over the years in imposing his vision on politicians in the traditional right, Lebourg said.

Supporters say that is why Zemmour is the only candidate who can appeal to both the traditional right and far right.

“Éric Zemmour opened the eyes of a certain number of people, including in my political family,” said Antoine Diers, a spokesperson for Friends of Éric Zemmour, a group that is raising funds for a potential presidential bid. Diers is also a member of the Republicans and an official at the city hall of Plessis-Robinson, a suburb south of Paris.

Because of Zemmour’s influence, Diers said, candidates of his party “finally take positions on immigration, on questions of identity and French culture.”

Arno Humbert, another member of Friends of Éric Zemmour, said he left Le Pen’s National Rally in June after more than a decade, disillusioned by her efforts to widen her appeal by toning down her party’s positions in a strategy of “de-demonizing.”

Zemmour was forced off the air Monday after the government regulator ordered a limit on his broadcast time because he could be considered a player in national politics. He and his supporters were quick to cry censorship.

Asked whether the decision would ultimately help him by burnishing his image as a truth teller among his supporters, he said, “Of course.”

“It was a blessing in disguise,” he said.

France’s election season began in force this week, with candidates for the presidency launching their bids or holding campaign-style events. But the person who stole the show was not a candidate, or even a politician, but a right-wing writer and TV star channeling Donald Trump.

France’s election season began in force this week, with candidates for the presidency launching their bids or holding campaign-style events. But the person who stole the show was not a candidate, or even a politician, but a right-wing writer and TV star channeling Donald Trump. Éric Zemmour became one of France’s top TV celebrities through his punditry on CNews, a Fox News-like channel, even as he was sanctioned twice for inciting racial hatred. This week he dominated news media coverage in the kickoff to elections next April. A poll released Wednesday shows him rising among potential voters, beating out declared candidates such as the mayor of Paris. While his share would appear to put the presidency out of reach, he could disrupt the long-anticipated scenario of a duel between President Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally. ALSO READ | Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan In a well-orchestrated blitz that blurred the lines between media and politics, Zemmour, 63, one of France’s bestselling writers, released a new book Thursday titled "France Has Not Said Its Last Word Yet," with a cover showing him standing with arms crossed in front of the French flag. Zemmour said the cover had been modeled after Trump's “Great Again,” the 2015 book that outlined his political agenda before his election victory the following year, and that showed Trump in front of the American flag. The cover, Zemmour said, was not the only way Trump had inspired him. While Zemmour coyly deflected long-standing rumors of a possible candidacy, this month he has sent stronger signals that he may follow Trump in a leap from television to politics. ALSO READ | Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level "Obviously, there are common points," Zemmour said. “In other words, someone who is completely from outside the party system, who never had a political career and who, furthermore, understood that the major concerns of the working class are immigration and trade.” In France's two-round presidential election, the two top vote-getters in the first round meet in a runoff. Macron has aggressively courted the traditional, more moderate right in a strategy to produce a final showdown with Le Pen, whom he beat in 2017. But the presence of Zemmour, with his appeal across the right side of France’s political spectrum, could upset that calculus. "French politics has become totally unpredictable," said Nicolas Lebourg, a political scientist specializing in the right and far-right. "In this extremely fluid context, things could end with the election of a Republican president after Macron is defeated because Zemmour picks up a few points," Lebourg added, referring to the Republicans, the party of the traditional right. The poll released Wednesday showed 10% of voters supporting Zemmour in the first round of the election, up from 7% a week earlier and 5% in July. He is one of the few candidates registering in the double digits, outscoring some from France’s established parties, including the Socialist mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. According to a poll published Monday, Zemmour is one of the few candidates to draw support from both the French traditional right and far-right — a point he underscored in the interview, saying that the far-right National Rally "puts off the French bourgeoisie," while the Republicans "have only an extremely aging constituency and don’t connect with the young or the working class." The poll also showed he is strong with the working class, men and young voters. "His straight talk appeals a lot to a generation that has been very disappointed by politicians' lies and that is very mistrustful of the media," said François de Voyer, a host and financial supporter of Black Book, a 7-month-old YouTube channel that has featured long interviews with Zemmour and other personalities, mostly from the right and far right. He said Zemmour gives the impression of "never hiding what he thinks, even if it means making controversial remarks," adding, "I think it has the effect of creating trust." Still, a run by Zemmour — whose hard-line views on immigration, Islam’s place in France and national identity are regarded as being to the right of Le Pen — would immediately inject into the election some of the most explosive issues in an increasingly polarized society. A longtime journalist for the conservative daily Le Figaro, Zemmour became a bestselling author in the past decade with books that described a France in decline, under threat from what he claimed was an Islam that doesn’t share France’s core values. His celebrity and influence rose to another level after he became the star of CNews in 2019, where, each evening in prime time, he expounded on his ideas to hundreds of thousands of viewers. He has portrayed himself as a truth-teller in a news media dominated by politically correct, left-leaning journalists. He has railed against the immigration of Muslim Africans, invoking the existential threat of a great replacement — a loaded term that even Le Pen has avoided — that will overwhelm France’s more established white and Christian population. Over the weekend, Zemmour said that, if he were president, he would ban "non-French" first names like Mohammed and Kevin, because they created obstacles to an assimilation process that used to turn immigrants into what he considered real French people. These kinds of comments have occasionally drawn the attention of French authorities. In May, the government broadcast regulator fined CNews 200,000 euros, about $236,000, for speech inciting racial hatred. On his show in September 2020, Zemmour had said that unaccompanied foreign minors should be expelled from France, calling them “thieves,” “killers” and “rapists.” Some presidential candidates from the Republicans dismissed Zemmour’s challenge. Xavier Bertrand, the leader of a region in northern France, said Zemmour was a “great divider.” Valérie Pécresse, the head of the Paris region, said he offered “no genuine proposals.” Lebourg, said Zemmour’s “ethnic nationalism” was rooted in the ideology of the National Front of the 1990s, the predecessor to the National Rally that was led by Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie Le Pen. More than any other individual, Zemmour succeeded over the years in imposing his vision on politicians in the traditional right, Lebourg said. Supporters say that is why Zemmour is the only candidate who can appeal to both the traditional right and far right. “Éric Zemmour opened the eyes of a certain number of people, including in my political family,” said Antoine Diers, a spokesperson for Friends of Éric Zemmour, a group that is raising funds for a potential presidential bid. Diers is also a member of the Republicans and an official at the city hall of Plessis-Robinson, a suburb south of Paris. Because of Zemmour’s influence, Diers said, candidates of his party “finally take positions on immigration, on questions of identity and French culture.” Arno Humbert, another member of Friends of Éric Zemmour, said he left Le Pen’s National Rally in June after more than a decade, disillusioned by her efforts to widen her appeal by toning down her party’s positions in a strategy of “de-demonizing.” Zemmour was forced off the air Monday after the government regulator ordered a limit on his broadcast time because he could be considered a player in national politics. He and his supporters were quick to cry censorship. Asked whether the decision would ultimately help him by burnishing his image as a truth teller among his supporters, he said, “Of course.” “It was a blessing in disguise,” he said.

From TV to the French Presidency? A right-wing star is inspired by Trump

Marine Le Pen got re-elected as head of the National Rally on Sunday. The re-election took place at a party congress where she is seeking support for her 2022 presidential bid after performing badly in regional polls.

Marine Le Pen re-elected as head of France's far-right National Rally

Marine Le Pen got re-elected as head of National Rally on Sunday. The re-election took place at a party congress where she is seeking support for her 2022 presidential bid. The party has performed badly in regional polls.

The National Rally (RN) was tipped for strong gains in regional elections last month. But the party could not win any of the 13 regions of mainland France.

The results raised questions about Le Pen's strategy of trying to detoxify her party's brand and position it as a more mainstream right-wing force.

However, there was no challenge for the party leadership. She received support from 98.35 per cent of member in online and postal ballots.

Le Pen, addressing reporters, said she felt "extremely combative' about her chances of winning presidency on her third attempt.

"I have no doubts about what needs to be done for France," said Le Pen, who will use a keynote address later Sunday to rally party faithful for the 2022 campaign.

Polls show the election coming down to another duel between Le Pen and centrist President Emmanuel Macron, who defeated the anti-immigration candidate handily in the second round of the 2017 vote.

But that scenario is no longer seen as a foregone conclusion.

Macron is also seen as being weakened by the poor performance of his Republic on the Move (LREM) party in the regional election.

LREM, which was founded in 2016, finished last of the big parties, winning just 7 percent of second-round votes in a contest characterised by record low turnout.

(With agency inputs)

Marine Le Pen got re-elected as head of National Rally on Sunday. The re-election took place at a party congress where she is seeking support for her 2022 presidential bid.

Marine Le Pen got re-elected as head of National Rally on Sunday. The re-election took place at a party congress where she is seeking support for her 2022 presidential bid. The party has performed badly in regional polls. The National Rally (RN) was tipped for strong gains in regional elections last month. But the party could not win any of the 13 regions of mainland France. The results raised questions about Le Pen's strategy of trying to detoxify her party's brand and position it as a more mainstream right-wing force. However, there was no challenge for the party leadership. She received support from 98.35 per cent of member in online and postal ballots. Le Pen, addressing reporters, said she felt "extremely combative' about her chances of winning presidency on her third attempt. "I have no doubts about what needs to be done for France," said Le Pen, who will use a keynote address later Sunday to rally party faithful for the 2022 campaign. Polls show the election coming down to another duel between Le Pen and centrist President Emmanuel Macron, who defeated the anti-immigration candidate handily in the second round of the 2017 vote. But that scenario is no longer seen as a foregone conclusion. Macron is also seen as being weakened by the poor performance of his Republic on the Move (LREM) party in the regional election. LREM, which was founded in 2016, finished last of the big parties, winning just 7 percent of second-round votes in a contest characterised by record low turnout. (With agency inputs)

Marine Le Pen re-elected as head of French far-right

French voters cast ballots in run-off elections on Sunday. The elections can give far-right in French politics its first regional powerbase. In the first round of voting last Sunday,&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron's party was to get none of France's 13 regions. However, the election was also disappointing for far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

Low voter turnout has been a surprising factor in these elections. On Sunday, only 27.89 per cent of voters had turned out by 1500 GMT. This is very low as compared to 50.54 per cent in 2015.

"I have no intention whatsoever to go and vote today, simply because I've lost faith in our politicians," Parisian Jean-Jacques told Reuters TV while strolling on one of the River Seine's bridges.

But others were galvanised by news of last Sunday's low turnout. "I didn't vote last week, but the abstention rate was a bit of a wake-up call, and so I decided to come and vote today instead of staying at home or going for a walk, because it is important," said 38-year old lawyer Masing Coulibaly.

In the first round of elections, Le Pen's party fell short of prediction. It came at the top in just one region, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur

The traditional centre-right which was decimated by Macron in 2017 presidential and legislative elections, staged a surprise comeback.

A trio of its top members, all former ministers and currently at the helm of some of France's most populous regions, are running for re-election this Sunday, which they hope will give them a springboard for the 2022 presidential race.

EMERGING FAVOURITE

In particular, Xavier Bertrand of the northern Hauts-de-France region around Calais has emerged as the conservatives' favourite in opinion polls to represent the party in the presidential election.

Macron's aides see the former health minister as a threat who could eat away at the president's centre-right voter base in the first round of the presidential vote in April.

Valerie Pecresse in the greater Paris region and Laurent Wauquiez in the greater Lyon area are the other conservatives whose fate on Sunday could decide whether they challenge Bertrand in 2022 for the centre-right ticket.

Le Pen's National Rally still hopes to win its first ever region in the southeast around Marseille and Nice. Her candidate, Thierry Mariani, a former conservative minister, beat the incumbent from the centre-right last Sunday, but by a lower margin than expected.

Victory would give Le Pen momentum and a platform to challenge Macron in 2022, a repeat of the 2017 duel that polls show would be won by Macron again, though by a slimmer margin.

Elsewhere, the Greens and leftwing allies are hoping to capture the Loire valley region, while a four-way contest in Burgundy gives an outside chance to the far-right to win power.

(With inputs from agencies)

French voters cast ballots in run-off elections on Sunday. The elections can give far-right in French politics its first regional powerbase. In the first round of voting last Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron's party was to get none of France's 13 regions.

French voters cast ballots in run-off elections on Sunday. The elections can give far-right in French politics its first regional powerbase. In the first round of voting last Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron's party was to get none of France's 13 regions. However, the election was also disappointing for far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Low voter turnout has been a surprising factor in these elections. On Sunday, only 27.89 per cent of voters had turned out by 1500 GMT. This is very low as compared to 50.54 per cent in 2015. "I have no intention whatsoever to go and vote today, simply because I've lost faith in our politicians," Parisian Jean-Jacques told Reuters TV while strolling on one of the River Seine's bridges. But others were galvanised by news of last Sunday's low turnout. "I didn't vote last week, but the abstention rate was a bit of a wake-up call, and so I decided to come and vote today instead of staying at home or going for a walk, because it is important," said 38-year old lawyer Masing Coulibaly. In the first round of elections, Le Pen's party fell short of prediction. It came at the top in just one region, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur The traditional centre-right which was decimated by Macron in 2017 presidential and legislative elections, staged a surprise comeback. A trio of its top members, all former ministers and currently at the helm of some of France's most populous regions, are running for re-election this Sunday, which they hope will give them a springboard for the 2022 presidential race. EMERGING FAVOURITE In particular, Xavier Bertrand of the northern Hauts-de-France region around Calais has emerged as the conservatives' favourite in opinion polls to represent the party in the presidential election. Macron's aides see the former health minister as a threat who could eat away at the president's centre-right voter base in the first round of the presidential vote in April. Valerie Pecresse in the greater Paris region and Laurent Wauquiez in the greater Lyon area are the other conservatives whose fate on Sunday could decide whether they challenge Bertrand in 2022 for the centre-right ticket. Le Pen's National Rally still hopes to win its first ever region in the southeast around Marseille and Nice. Her candidate, Thierry Mariani, a former conservative minister, beat the incumbent from the centre-right last Sunday, but by a lower margin than expected. Victory would give Le Pen momentum and a platform to challenge Macron in 2022, a repeat of the 2017 duel that polls show would be won by Macron again, though by a slimmer margin. Elsewhere, the Greens and leftwing allies are hoping to capture the Loire valley region, while a four-way contest in Burgundy gives an outside chance to the far-right to win power. (With inputs from agencies)

Low voter turnout in second round of French elections

The far-right National Rally party failed to secure a single region in the decisive second round of voting for France's regional elections. The second round had been seen as a key test for Marine Le Pen who had been hoping to win in one of the country's regions.

Far-right party fails to win a single region in second round of French regional elections

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