French polling agencies projected Sunday that incumbent Emmanuel Macron and far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen are heading for another winner-takes-all runoff in the French presidential election, with their fierce political rivalry and sharply opposing visions pulling clear of a crowded field of 12 candidates in the first round of voting.
Last Updated Sunday, April 10, 2022 3:57PM EDT
Le Pen this time tapped into the foremost issue on many French voters' minds: the costs for food, gas and heating that have soared amid the disruptions of war in Ukraine and the economic repercussions of Western sanctions on Russia. The projections showed both Macron and Le Pen on course to improve on their 2017 first-round showings, highlighting how French politics have become increasingly polarized. Macron was expected to capture a sizeable first-round lead of around 28% support, ahead of Le Pen's projected 23%-to-24% of the vote.
“The French people honored me by qualifying me for the second round,” Le Pen said Sunday night as she thanked her supporters and called on those who didn't vote for Macron to back her in round two.