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

In the latest French presidential race, far-right leader Marine Le Pen maintains her lead over the competition, according to a recent poll. Far-left rival Jean-Luc Melenchon ranks second in most tested scenarios, signaling a growing polarisation of the electorate as Emmanuel Macron's second and final term draws to a close.

Toluna Harris Interactive conducted the survey between September 8 and 10, revealing that Le Pen would secure between 33% and 36% of the votes in the first-round election, depending on the specific scenarios. Melenchon is projected to reach the run-off in at least three out of the five scenarios, while being tied for second in another.

Le Pen has previously run for president three times, making it to the run-off in 2017 and 2022 but ultimately losing to Macron. Meanwhile, Melenchon has attempted to run for the presidency on three occasions as well, never managing to progress past the first round.

With Macron's term ending, the political center in France appears weakened, and unpopular economic conditions could provide an opening for hardline parties like Melenchon's France Unbowed and Le Pen's National Rally.