World News
France opens early presidential race as polls project lead for Marine Le Pen
Voters will select Emmanuel Macron's successor next spring, with several candidates launching early campaigns.
The short version
- France is scheduled to hold its two-round presidential election on April 18 and May 2 to choose a successor to President Emmanuel Macron.[France 24]
- Multiple prospective candidates have entered the race more than seven months ahead of the vote.[France 24]
- Recent opinion polls project a victory for Marine Le Pen of the National Rally.[France 24]
Key facts
- France will hold presidential elections on April 18 and May 2 next year to elect a successor to Emmanuel Macron.[France 24]
- Recent opinion polls forecast a victory for National Rally politician Marine Le Pen.[France 24]
- Several potential contenders have declared their candidacies more than seven months before the vote.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- Whether rival candidates can mount a viable challenge against the far right remains an open question as campaigning gets underway.[France 24]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.