Le Pen Gains Ground in French Presidential Poll After Riots

Marine Le Pen has gained one to two percentage points in a recent Ifop poll for France's presidential election, now reaching 38 percent in some scenarios, following weekend riots during social protests. The far-right leader faces potential legal trouble from a conviction for embezzling EU funds. Le Pen has demanded a tougher government crackdown on rioters, blaming President Emmanuel Macron's administration and immigration policy for the unrest. The poll, conducted after the violence, shows her leading the first round, with Jean-Luc Mélenchon second at 15 to 20 percent, followed by Raphaël Glucksmann and Édouard Philippe. The election takes place next spring, with a runoff between the top two candidates if no one wins an absolute majority. Le Pen's July conviction for EU fund misuse, upheld on appeal, could result in her wearing an electronic bracelet during the campaign if France's highest court rules quickly.