French riots could boost Le Pen's far-right ahead of 2027 vote

Ongoing riots and looting in France are deepening political polarization and could boost far-right leader Marine Le Pen ahead of the 2027 presidential election, according to analysts. The violence, sparked by rising prices and living costs, has weakened President Emmanuel Macron's options. Political scientist Jérôme Fourquet says the unrest strengthens the "law and order party," which is now seen as Le Pen's National Rally rather than the government. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon's early support for protests has drawn criticism as demonstrations turned violent, potentially benefiting Social Democrat Raphaël Glucksmann. European leaders are increasingly preparing for Le Pen, comparing her to Italy's Giorgia Meloni, while France's high debt and EU-wide rightward shifts on migration make her less unthinkable.