French far-left leader Melenchon seen reaching presidential runoff, poll shows

PARIS, Aug 24 (Reuters) – French far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon is seen as the most likely rival to far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in next year’s presidential run-off, a Monday poll showed, underlining a deeply polarised electorate as Emmanuel Macron’s presidency draws to a close.

• Melenchon, the candidate of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, is seen reaching a run-off in at least three of the five scenarios polled, while he tied for second place in a fourth scenario. Le Pen is seen beating him easily in a run-off.

• The poll makes sobering reading for France’s centrist candidates who are struggling to reach an electorate that is increasingly polarised.

• As Macron’s second and final term comes to ​an end, the unpopular president leaves behind a hollowed-out political centre and weak economy, opening space for hardline parties, such as LFI and Le Pen’s National Rally.

• “The risk of Mrs Le Pen and Mr Melenchon facing each other in the second round is real and serious,” centrist candidate Edouard Philippe told reporters on Monday.

• Melenchon was seen winning around 16% to 17% in the first round, while Le Pen would get 35% to 38% of votes. Le Pen would win 64% of the votes against Melenchon in the run-off.

• Melenchon has already run three times for president in 2012, 2017 and 2022 but has never managed to reach the second round.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Kate Mayberry)