Marine Le Pen Rises in French Polls as Riots Boost Her Law-and-Order Message

Six months before France's presidential election to succeed Emmanuel Macron, Marine Le Pen's poll numbers are rising, boosted by recent street violence that has reinforced her law-and-order message. She now leads in all second-round scenarios. A post-riot Ifop poll shows Le Pen winning 56% against centrist Édouard Philippe, up four points, and similar margins against other rivals. Raphaël Glucksmann, winner of the social-democrat primaries, has emerged as a left-wing alternative with 14% first-round support, while Jean-Luc Mélenchon risks being associated with the unrest. Ifop's director says Le Pen is the only candidate benefiting from the riots, as her order-focused discourse resonates with voters. Some traditional left-wing voters in Montpon-Ménestérol told Radio France they would back her for the first time. Le Pen faces counter-protests at her campaign launch in Orléans this weekend.