More than 60% of French voters think Le Pen could be next President

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Sep 2023 20:01

Le Pen has garnered the backing of 40% of individuals with lower incomes.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen talks with National Rally group members at the National Assembly, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in Paris (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

A poll conducted by polling agency Elabe on Thursday showed that a significant 61% of French voters hold the belief that Marine Le Pen, the former president of the French right-wing National Rally party and current chairwoman of its parliamentary faction, could assume the presidency in 2027.

Conducted online among a sample of 1,001 individuals between September 12 and 13, the poll revealed that 48% of voters believe she possesses the required qualities for this role.

The survey revealed a notable improvement in Le Pen's image compared to the late June polling, particularly among senior citizens.

Currently, 50% of the French believe she can enact reforms for the country, an increase from the previous 46%.

Similarly, 47% now think she can unite the French population, up from 38% in the earlier survey.

About 32% of the respondents think that her performance as president would surpass that of the current French President, Emmanuel Macron.

Additionally, Le Pen has garnered the backing of 40% of individuals with lower incomes.

A sizable majority of the French population, 67%, views the candidate as a bold and courageous politician, while 61% believe she has the ability to bring about significant change.

Approximately half of the survey participants have confidence in Le Pen's ability to implement effective policies in areas such as defense (58%), immigration (55%), education (48%), healthcare (46%), and finance (45%).

The politician's stance on the Ukrainian crisis is a source of concern for 65% of the respondents. Furthermore, approximately 80% of those surveyed believe that she would further polarize the country and damage its reputation.

The only candidate who is perceived as capable of defeating Le Pen in the election is the former French Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, a sentiment shared by 58% of the respondents.

Both Philippe and Le Pen have broader support compared to other figures such as Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin (32%), Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire (31%), Education Minister Gabriel Attal (30%), and Jean-Luc Melenchon, the founder of the left-wing La France Insoumise party (27%).