🔻Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right “National Rally,” launched her election campaign for next year’s presidential election at a rally in the city of Orléans. Ms. Le Pen told her party’s 10,000 members that after years of “pointless and futile” political choices, France needs a “renaissance.” Ms. Le Pen promised that by restoring the rule of law, she would prevent crime and criminality from taking over France “like in Mexico.” Marine Le Pen also said that French identity has for a long time been pushed to the margins. Ms. Le Pen is leading in opinion polls amid weeks of protests against the cost of living that have escalated into unrest and violence. Ms. Le Pen’s main rival is currently Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of France’s radical left party. More than 400,000 people yesterday, Saturday, marched in major French cities to protest the rise in the cost of living. Trade unions and Yellow Vest protesters have promised to continue their street demonstrations in the coming weeks, as tensions rise with the election approaching.

🎥 AFP