French protests reshape Macron succession race

Emmanuel Macron's presidency is ending amid widespread French protests, with far-right and far-left candidates exploiting the unrest to boost their campaigns. Marine Le Pen criticizes the government's handling, while Jean-Luc Melenchon supports protesters but condemns violence. Macron, barred from a third term, faces record-low popularity as polls show moderates trailing extremists. Le Pen, the favorite, blames far-left rioters and promises security, while Melenchon backs demands for wages and public services. Both seek to capitalize on the chaos. The first election round is April 18, with a runoff May 2. Centrist candidates, including two former Macron prime ministers, have failed to gain traction, leaving the race uncertain.