Marine Le Pen launches presidential campaign in Orléans
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Maverick
Marine Le Pen launched her presidential campaign in Orléans, promising a policy of “zero tolerance” and the restoration of security. A poll published on Sunday puts her ahead in voting intentions, at 32% to 33.5%, with Jean-Luc Mélenchon on 17%, according to data reported by the Daily Maverick.
French MP Marine Le Pen launched her presidential campaign in Orléans, promising a policy of “zero tolerance” on security and a tougher stance on immigration, the Daily Maverick reports. She presented her platform as a response to the economic, social and security crises facing France.
A poll published on Sunday puts the leader of the National Rally at between 32% and 33.5% of voting intentions, ahead of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the radical left leader, on 17%. The surveys cited indicate that she would win comfortably against him in the second round, expected in early May.
Marine Le Pen also promised to restore border controls, automatically deport convicted foreign nationals and fight gangs and drug traffickers. On the economy, she advocated controlling public spending, cutting taxes on businesses and supporting industry, innovation and artificial intelligence. She opposed a further increase in the retirement age.
The candidate is appealing her conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds. The National Rally congress also re-elected Jordan Bardella as its president and presented him as Marine Le Pen’s choice for prime minister. Her speech was interrupted by activists from a Jewish student organisation, amid allegations that he made antisemitic remarks in his youth, which he denies.
The congress took place after Jordan Bardella was re-elected as RN president, an announcement made on 24 October.
