Le Pen and Mélenchon ahead in French presidential polls
France will hold presidential elections in April and May 2027, with incumbent Emmanuel Macron ineligible for a third term. Recent polls show Marine Le Pen of the National Rally leading, while Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Édouard Philippe have announced candidacies. The election is over seven months away, but the campaign is already heating up.
France's presidential election is scheduled for April 18 and May 2, 2027, with a runoff format between the top two candidates. Incumbent Emmanuel Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term, opening the field for new contenders. Polls currently place Marine Le Pen of the National Rally in the lead, while Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the far-left and former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, representing the centre-right, have formally declared their bids.
The campaign has intensified months ahead of voting, with France 24's International Affairs editor Philip Turle analyzing whether any challenger can overtake the far-right frontrunner. The race reflects a polarized political landscape, with candidates spanning the ideological spectrum from far-left to far-right, and the outcome likely to reshape France's direction for years to come.
This election could significantly reshape French governance and its role within the European Union, depending on who prevails. A Le Pen victory may alter immigration and EU relations, while Mélenchon's platform could shift economic and social policies leftward. Voters across France, particularly those concerned with national identity, purchasing power, and institutional trust, may see their priorities tested. The outcome could also influence broader European political trends, as other nations watch whether populist or progressive movements gain momentum in a major EU member state.