French extreme candidates steam ahead in 2027 presidential race, poll shows

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen continues to lead in the presidential race ahead of the 2027 election, according to a recent poll conducted by Toluna Harris Interactive. The poll, carried out between September 8 and September 10, reveals that Le Pen would secure between 33% and 36% of the first-round votes in various scenarios.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the candidate for the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, is seen as a strong contender, with the potential to reach the run-off in at least three out of the five scenarios tested. In one scenario, Melenchon ties for second place with Le Pen, while in four scenarios, he comes in second place overall. Emmanuel Macron, the unpopular incumbent president, finishes behind Melenchon in all scenarios.

Edouard Philippe, Macron's former Prime Minister and centre-right candidate, manages to beat Melenchon in only one of the tested scenarios. As Macron's second and final term ends, the political centre becomes increasingly hollowed out, and the economic situation weakens, providing an opportunity for hardline parties such as Le Pen's National Rally and Melenchon's France Unbowed to gain traction.

Both Le Pen and Melenchon have previously run for president in 2012, 2017, and 2022, with Le Pen making it to the second round in 2017 and 2022, ultimately losing to Macron.