There’s ‘no certainty,’ Macron warned during his first big rally on Saturday near Paris as the pro-European centrist still comfortably leads in the polls
President Emmanuel Macron is the clear favourite in France’s presidential race Sunday yet a big unknown factor may prove decisive: an unprecedented proportion of people say they are unsure who to vote for or don’t intend to vote at all, bringing a large dose of uncertainty to the election.
Polls still place her behind Macron, but much closer, apparently showing the wisdom of her longstanding strategy to soften her rhetoric and image – allowing her to capture the anti-Macron vote as well as far-right support. “Of course I have concerns,” said Julien Descamps, a 28-year-old member of Macron’s party, stressing that some people in his entourage “don’t know what to do.”
In third position according to the polls is far-left figure Jean-Luc Melenchon, who has increased his support but still is a distance behind Le Pen. Another far-right candidate, Eric Zemmour, and conservative contender Valerie Pecresse are amid other key challengers. Sunday’s first round will qualify the two top candidates for the runoff.Yet the turnout has decreased from 84% in 2007 to about 78% in 2017, and studies show that abstention may be higher than five years ago.
“I don’t believe in what politicians say anymore. They make a lot of promises, they say candidates’ words, and once in power, we are disappointed,” she said. “I get the impression that more and more people think it’s useless: voting for who? For what?” Kevin, who cannot be identified by his last name because state employees are required to be neutral ahead of elections, said he is still hesitating. But in any case, he won’t vote for Macron or Le Pen, and considers a blank vote an option.