French presidential 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%.
• The polls are still very close, with many voters undecided or planning to cast a blank ballot.

Campaign Updates:

• Emmanuel Macron has been campaigning on a platform of economic reform, social justice, and European integration. He has also been emphasizing his experience as President and his ability to lead the country through difficult times.
• Marine Le Pen has been focusing on her anti-immigration and anti-EU platform, 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 been emphasizing her anti-immigration stance, while Macron has been advocating for a more humane approach to immigration.
• Economy and employment: Macron has been promising to create more jobs and stimulate economic growth, while Le Pen has been promising to reduce taxes and increase social welfare spending.
• European integration: Macron has been emphasizing the importance of European integration and cooperation, while Le Pen has been advocating for a more nationalist approach.

Recent Controversies:

• Le Pen has been criticized for her party's ties to the far-right and her own anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
• Macron has been criticized for his handling of the Yellow Vest protests and his perceived elitism.
• Mélenchon has been criticized for his anti-capitalist and anti-EU views, as well as his perceived authoritarianism.

Upcoming Debates:

• The two main candidates, Macron and Le Pen, will face off in a televised debate on April 20.
• A second debate is scheduled for April 24.

Election Day:

• The French presidential election will take place on April 24.
• The runoff election, if necessary, will take place on May 8.

International Reaction:

• The European Union has been closely watching the election, with many leaders expressing concerns about the rise of the far-right in France.
• The United States has been relatively quiet on the election, although some officials have expressed concerns about Le Pen's anti-EU views.
• Russia has been accused of meddling in the election, although there is no evidence to support this claim.