Guardian: Demonstrations in 30 French Cities against Right-wing Presidential Candidate Marine Le Pen

France braced for protests in 30 cities across the country on Saturday, as opponents of far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen seek to form a united front to prevent her from winning the run-off election against incumbent Emmanuel Macron on April 24, according to the Guardian, a UK daily newspaper.

Macron, who belongs to the pro-EU centrist, won the presidency in 2017 after easily defeating Le Pen.

The British newspaper pointed out that Macron is slightly ahead in the opinion polls, but before the first round on April 10, Le Pen managed to exploit anger over the cost of living and the perception that Macron is detached from the daily hardships. This resulted in her receiving 23.1% of the vote, compared to 27.85% for Macron.

However, she has appeared more alarmed this week as the focus has shifted to her platform, and polls have shown Macron extending his lead. A poll on Friday showed the president winning the run-off with 56% of the vote.