But the far right is in a historically strong position, and some polls suggest a close runoff between Le Pen and Macron. If the runoff — scheduled for April 24 — were taking place now, Macron would beat Le Pen with 53 percent of the vote, according to Ifop. That strategy appeared to have faltered early last year, when Le Pen for months polled above Macron. In 2014, it elected a far-right mayor who turned the city into a political laboratory for Le Pen and her allies. By sticking to those and other positions, Zemmour has made Le Pen appear increasingly moderate.

Source: Washington Post April 05, 2022 22:50 UTC