Le Pen Holds Strong Lead in 2027 Race

Marine Le Pen maintains a commanding lead ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, while left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon came second in most of the scenarios tested, according to a Toluna Harris Interactive poll.

The National Rally leader would receive between 35% and 38% of the vote in the first round. Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, would advance to the runoff in three of the five scenarios tested and tie for second place in another.

Macron’s former prime minister, Édouard Philippe, is the only center-right candidate who surpassed Mélenchon in one scenario and tied with him in another. The other candidates trailed behind.

After his second and final term, Macron will leave behind a weakened political center and a fragile economy, creating space for more radical parties.

Mélenchon failed to reach the second round in each of his three previous presidential campaigns. Le Pen reached the runoff in 2017 and 2022 but lost to Macron both times.

The poll was conducted on 18 and 19 August.

(Reuters, bak)