French Riots Reshape Presidential Race as Macron's Term Winds Down

French President Emmanuel Macron is entering the final months of his term amid nationwide riots, with his popularity at record lows and no clear successor from his centrist camp, as far-right and far-left candidates gain ground. He is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. Marine Le Pen of the far right is the front-runner, capitalizing on the unrest by blaming the government's weakness, while far-left contender Jean-Luc Mélenchon supports protesters' demands. Polls show moderates trailing, and Macron has not endorsed a successor. The first election round is set for April 18, with a runoff on May 2. Analysts caution that the violence's electoral impact may shift over time, and several centrist candidates, including two former prime ministers, have failed to gain traction.