The Intelligence from The Economist Le Pen is mightier than before: France’s election
Apr 11, 2022
Join Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief at The Economist, and military technology writer David Hambling as they dissect the heated French presidential runoff between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, shedding light on the surprising rise of populism. They also dive into the revelations from intercepted Russian military communications, exposing poor coordination and war crimes on the battlefield. Plus, a light-hearted segment on the quirky trend of South Korean millennials chasing Pokémon-themed snacks keeps the discussion engaging and diverse!
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Strategic Voting Shift
- The French typically use the first round to express preference, then vote strategically in the runoff.
- Polls suggest fewer voters will strategically vote against Le Pen this time.
Le Pen's Campaign Strategy
- Le Pen's grassroots campaign and focus on cost of living helped her close the gap with Macron.
- She positioned herself as calming despite her controversial policies.
Macron's Late Start
- Macron entered the campaign late, focusing on Ukraine, which may have hindered his ability to connect with voters.
- He's now actively campaigning, recognizing the need to address the national mood.