French election news

Here are the latest news and updates on the French presidential election:

Latest Polls:

• According to a survey by Ifop-Fiducial, Emmanuel Macron's En Marche! party is leading with 27.5% of the vote, followed by Marine Le Pen's National Rally with 24.5%.
• A survey by Harris Interactive puts Macron at 26.5% and Le Pen at 23.5%.

Campaign Updates:

• Emmanuel Macron has been campaigning on a platform of economic reform, social justice, and European integration.
• Marine Le Pen has been focusing on her anti-immigration and anti-EU policies, as well as her promise to reduce taxes and increase social welfare spending.
• Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party, has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with some polls putting him in third place.

Key Issues:

• Immigration and asylum policy: Le Pen has promised to reduce immigration and deport undocumented migrants, while Macron has vowed to maintain France's open-door policy.
• Economy and employment: Macron has proposed a range of economic reforms, including a reduction in the number of civil servants and a increase in the minimum wage. Le Pen has promised to reduce taxes and increase social welfare spending.
• European Union: Macron has been a strong supporter of the EU, while Le Pen has promised to hold a referendum on France's membership in the bloc.

Recent Controversies:

• Le Pen has been criticized for her party's ties to the far-right and her own anti-Semitic remarks.
• Macron has been accused of being out of touch with ordinary French people and of being too close to big business and finance.

Upcoming Debates:

• The two candidates will face off in a series of televised debates in the coming weeks, with the first debate scheduled for April 20.

Election Day:

• The French presidential election will take place on April 24, with a runoff election scheduled for May 7 if no candidate wins a majority of the vote.

International Reaction:

• The election has drawn international attention, with many world leaders weighing in on the candidates and the issues at stake.
• The European Union has been particularly concerned about the outcome, with some leaders warning of the potential consequences of a Le Pen victory.