Discontented Socialists, frustrated conservatives and an eclectic array
of others – from gays to political renegades – could be among those
casting ballots for France’s far-right National Front in local voting
this weekend, elections that promise to solidify leader Marine Le Pen’s
position as one of the country’s leading political figures.
Ms. Le Pen has been the single most
visible presence in weeks of campaigning on city streets and in rural
villages with a relentless message to voters fed up with traditional
parties: We care about you, they don’t.
For
Ms. Le Pen, Sunday’s election for more than 2,000 local councils is an
important step in building a grassroots base critical to her ultimate
goal: the 2017 presidency.
“This is the
big straight line to 2017,” she said in a speech early this month in
Paris. “There is no minor election, no minor vote.”
Read more: National Front moves ahead in French polls before weekend elections - The Globe and Mail
