Why it matters: The centrist Macron’s overwhelming victory over Le Pen in 2017 was a defeat for populist, nationalist policies following the election of Donald Trump and the Brexit vote in Britain. Now, the right is going up worldwide. What follows: Apart from a monumental surprise, both Macron, 44, and Lepen, 53, are expected to advance from the first round of 12 to a rematch with the winner in the second round on April 24. What is happening: In France, the pain of inflation — and pump prices, food, and energy, which particularly affect low-income households — has become a major issue.
Le Pen is now a more sophisticated, formidable and clever political enemy as she makes her third attempt to become France’s first female president. He has campaigned for cost-of-living concerns, taking advantage of what pollsters say is primarily in the minds of voters.
