An appearance of complacency fuelled the perception that Macron is arrogant and out of touch, opening the way for Marine Le Pen
Macron, 44, has sought to put himself at the center of European and U.S. efforts to end the crisis in Ukraine since late last year, and only began campaigning in earnest about a week ago. The calculation was that he’d benefit from the image of peacemaker and seasoned statesman, and that his handling of the pandemic and a strong economic rebound would be enough to keep him in the Elysee. Until recently, polls suggested that was true.
Bloomberg’s polling average calculated on April 8 showed Macron ahead by just 3.5 points in the first round.‘We are in the window’: Russia poised to invade Ukraine, warns White House security adviser For that to happen, Le Pen would have to build an anyone-but-Macron coalition in the second round on April 24 and left-wing voters would have to abstain, or vote for her.Article content