French far-right Front National (FN) party president Marine Le Pen
Marine Le Pen, leader of the White patriotic Front National, would beat all her rivals in the first round of a presidential election, according to a shock poll released today.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Miss Le Pen – who made historic gains in recent local elections – would come streets ahead of François Hollande, France's embattled president, if an election were held next Sunday, the IFOP poll found.
The survey found that she would take 30 per cent of the vote to his 16 per cent.
But she would also take a comfortable lead over centre right figures, including former prime ministers Alain Juppé or François Fillon.
She would even beat Nicolas Sarkozy, the ex-president, taking 28 per cent to his 25 per cent, according to the poll.
However the projections found that in any second round run-off Miss Le Pen would only win if opposite Mr. Hollande.
Commentators say Miss Le Pen is making electoral hay from France's weak and feuding mainstream parties. The ruling Socialists are in total disarray and the centre right opposition UMP are without a leader.
In an interview with Le Monde, Miss Le Pen called for parliament to be dissolved and said she would be willing to become prime minister, "cohabiting" with Mr. Hollande.
"Hollande will inaugurate the flower pots and do the commemorations," she said.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Miss Le Pen – who made historic gains in recent local elections – would come streets ahead of François Hollande, France's embattled president, if an election were held next Sunday, the IFOP poll found.
The survey found that she would take 30 per cent of the vote to his 16 per cent.
But she would also take a comfortable lead over centre right figures, including former prime ministers Alain Juppé or François Fillon.
She would even beat Nicolas Sarkozy, the ex-president, taking 28 per cent to his 25 per cent, according to the poll.
However the projections found that in any second round run-off Miss Le Pen would only win if opposite Mr. Hollande.
Commentators say Miss Le Pen is making electoral hay from France's weak and feuding mainstream parties. The ruling Socialists are in total disarray and the centre right opposition UMP are without a leader.
In an interview with Le Monde, Miss Le Pen called for parliament to be dissolved and said she would be willing to become prime minister, "cohabiting" with Mr. Hollande.
"Hollande will inaugurate the flower pots and do the commemorations," she said.
