French riots shake Macron's final months as Le Pen and Mélenchon lead race to succeed him

President Emmanuel Macron is entering the final months of his presidency amid nationwide riots, with his popularity at record lows and no clear successor, as far-right and far-left candidates jockey for position ahead of next year's election. Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally is the front-runner, seeking to channel public anger over the violence into support for her bid, while far-left contender Jean-Luc Mélenchon backs protesters' grievances. Both have gained ground as centrist candidates struggle to gain traction in polls. Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, and the first round of the presidential election is scheduled for April 18, with a runoff on May 2. Analysts caution that electoral effects from the riots may shift as the campaign unfolds.