Nearly half of French people think far-right politician Le Pen has skills for presidency: Survey

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – Nearly half of the French people think far-right politician Marine Le Pen, who lost to President Emmanuel Macron in the presidential election last year, has the required skills for the presidency, according to a new survey on Thursday.

French research and consulting company Elabe conducted a survey and published the results on Thursday on its website, indicating that the former leader of the National Rally party has had an improved image since June.

Almost one person out of two thinks that the three-time presidential candidate has the ability to gather the French people (47%) and that she has the required skills to become president (48%).

Le Pen is also seen as capable of reforming the country (50%).

More than four French out of 10 trust Le Pen over issues such as education, health, and economy/employment, the survey also showed.

Slightly less than half (49%) of the interviewees also said they must give a chance to Marine Le Pen and the National Rally.

However, 60% of the interviewees think that if she and her party were in power, the country would be more divided than today, and 55% think they would undermine France's international image.

Le Pen lost the presidential race three times in 2012, 2017 and 2022.