In a re-run of the last French presidential election, voters will have to choose between the two on Sunday.
The good news for Marine Le Pen is that history didn't repeat itself.
Five years ago, her presidential ambitions died at this stage, as she was comfortably out-thought, out-argued and outperformed on live television by Emmanuel Macron. Back then, she seemed ill-prepared and ostentatiously angry. This time, she was calmer and clearer. The lessons of the past were learnt.But learning lessons is one thing; putting that into action is another. Another of Le Pen's ambitions was to soften her image and talk more about the economy than about immigration or her past deeds. And on that front, she had a difficult time.. How France will afford cuts to taxes, duties and, most notably, the retirement age, is yet to be explained.
And on immigration, the subject most closely allied to her political career, her plan to outlaw the Muslim headscarf was castigated by Macron as having the potential to cause"civil war". France, remember, has the biggest Muslim population in Europe.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
French elections: EU apprehensive of Le Pen ahead of French run-off voteA Marine Le Pen victory in France would send shockwaves across the European Union, writes Jessica Parker.
Read more »
Macron-Le Pen debate: key moments in the French election head-to-headFar-right candidate Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron debate ahead of Sunday’s final round vote in the French election
Read more »
Macron & Le Pen clash over Putin & cost of living in election debateEmmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen clashed over the cost of living and foreign policy in a fiery debate ahead of the French election.
Read more »
Macron and Le Pen to face off in crucial live TV election debateFar-right challenger out to avoid repeat of 2017 ‘failure’ in two-and-a-half hour clash with incumbent
Read more »
How a Macron French election win will affect UK: Boris ready for five clash-heavy yearsEMMANUEL MACRON is tipped to win a rare second term as French President this weekend, with second-round voting scheduled for April 24. A victory over Marine Le Pen would drive off France's far-right resurgence, but what would it mean for Britain?
Read more »
Le Pen calls for close ties with Putin to avoid 'great danger' of Russia-China allianceMARINE LE PEN has called for France to 'engage' with Russia after the war in Ukraine in order to prevent an alliance between Russia and China.
Read more »