French election: Macron facing stiff challenge from far-right Le Pen

French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has never been closer to victory than in the current race, a French pollster said on Friday, two days ahead of the first round of ballots. Incumbent Emmanuel Macron, whose re-election seemed a foregone conclusion just weeks ago is now facing a stiff challenge from Le Pen.

On Sunday, Macron and Le Pen came out on top in the country's first-round vote, setting up a repeat of the 2017 runoff.

An interior ministry count showed that with 97% of votes counted, Macron had won 27.60% of voters' support, while Le Pen secured 23.41%.

Polls predict a close-fought second round with one survey projecting Macron will win with just 51% of the vote and 49% for Le Pen. The gap is so tight that victory either way is within the margin of error.

Jean-Daniel Levy, Managing Director of Harris Interactive Polling Institute, said a Le Pen victory would change France’s reputation on the world stage.

“If Marine Le Pen becomes president, France's image would be deeply altered. And we see well that there are international actors and investors who will hesitate whether to invest in France," he said.

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