Le Pen strengthens positions, French opposition without a convincing alternative

2026-07-25 09:30:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Marine Le Pen is entering the decisive phase of the presidential race with a clear advantage in the polls, while rival camps continue to search for a candidate who can successfully challenge her.

The latest opinion polls show the far-right leader would emerge victorious in a head-to-head matchup with the main names rumored for the presidency, including Édouard Philippe, Gabriel Attal and Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The poll results suggest that Le Pen enjoys significant support, putting her in her most favorable position yet.

Her official return to the race came after developments in the legal case she has been facing, paving the way for her to continue her campaign while awaiting the final decision of the courts.

According to analysts, the most important change at this stage is the expansion of Le Pen's electoral base. She is also gaining ground among older voters, a category that in past elections has been less inclined to support the Rassemblement National.

However, experts estimate that the final outcome remains open. The race has not yet taken its final shape, as the parties have not yet officially announced all candidates and the political dynamics may change in the coming months.

The French left continues to struggle to find a more competitive candidate. While Jean-Luc Mélenchon remains the most established figure, the name of MEP Raphael Glucksmann is gaining more and more attention, while former president François Hollande has regained some support among the progressive electorate.

Even the centrist camp has failed to unite around a single candidate. The separate ambitions of Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal risk splitting the centrist vote, giving Le Pen an additional advantage in the race to the Élysée Palace.

While names from the business world are also circulating in public opinion as possible candidates, analysts consider these scenarios to be unrealistic, given the requirements of the French electoral system for political support and national organization.

With the polls in her favor and opponents still fragmented, Marine Le Pen is entering the crucial months of the campaign as the candidate to beat, in a race that is expected to influence not only the political direction of France, but also the future of the European Union./ CNA