By Tassilo Hummel

PARIS, (Reuters) – A proposed ban on the hijab if Marine Le Pen wins France’s presidential race would be “little-by-little” and determined by legislators, Marine Le Pen’s allies stated Monday. The shift is less than a week prior to the last presidential vote.

Campaigning is entering its last days, and the Le Pen far-right centre has come under greater scrutiny.

Louis Aliot (far-right Perpignan mayor and ex-life companion of Le Pen) stated that although the hijab ban is one of many political tools for fighting “Islamism”, that it must be “progressively” implemented in an interview with France Inter radio.

He said that the ban must first be applied to state-run services, and then it will be widened gradually. He said that there will be a discussion in Parliament and then the decision will be made.

David Rachline the mayor of Frejus’ Mediterranean city, was also an ally of Le Pen and appeared to be softening his stance on Monday. He stated, “We don’t wish to attack people… all the women wearing a hijab is not Islamists.”

Le Pen previously stated that hijab was not a sign of religious beliefs, but an Islamic uniform that should be prohibited from public spaces in France.

STAGNATION

Le Pen is six days away from the last vote in eurozone’s second largest economy. However, her remarkable rise in opinion polls seemed to slow down after round one as Macron intensified his campaign.

However, principal polls show Macron still as the probable winner, even though it is by a small margin.

A poll by Ipsos for France Info radio, newspaper Le Parisien on Monday found Macron at 56%. This is 0.5% more than the previous day and 3% less than the first round. The trend continued in the Ifop poll with Macron rating 53.5%, which was unchanged from Monday’s.

After their candidate’s elimination, both candidates will have to reach out to voters of the left while maintaining their political signatures. This is a difficult task for Le Pen, especially when it comes Islam and Immigration.

Le Pen has made a conscious effort to improve her image in recent years. She has shifted her attention from identity issues to purchasing power. But she is still committed to her far-right views.

France Bleue radio’s Le Pen said, “People who are on our territory and respect our laws, respect our values, and have occasionally worked in France have nothing to be afraid of the policy that I want to pursue.”

The topic of France’s Muslim population has become an important issue in France, which has been the victim of a string of terrorist attacks.

French lawyers claim that banishing the hijab is against France’s constitution.

Le Pen was sheepish on Friday when a woman with a hijab in front of cameras approached her.

Le Pen acknowledged that this was a complex issue and said that parliament would decide. She also stated that it could revoke any unwelcome law.

Emmanuel Macron pledged last week to increase his efforts against climate changes as he spoke at an event held in Marseille by the hard left. He reiterated on Monday his warnings toward progressive voters.

He said, “I tell everyone still hesitating”: A clear referendum will take place on April 24, as the candidate for the extreme right was against Europe and climate policy.