Layli Foroudi and Elizabeth Pineau by Ingrid Melander

PARIS (Reuters), – France’s Sunday vote will determine whether President Emmanuel Macron, a pro-European Union centrist, is reelected or if Marine Le Pen, a far-right eurosceptic Marine Le Pen takes his place. This would be a major political shakeup.

Recent opinion polls showed Macron with a strong and growing lead. Analysts said that Le Pen, despite all her attempts to improve her image and reduce some of the policies she has taken from National Rally Party (NRP) – was still unpalatable.

However, a surprising victory for Le Pen cannot be excluded due to high turnout of undecided and uncertain voters in the runoff presidential election.

Polls show that neither candidate can count on enough dedicated supporters. Much will hinge on voters who weigh up their anxiety about the potential consequences of a far-right presidency versus anger at Macron’s performance since 2017.

Le Pen winning would bring about the same sensation of political chaos as when the British voted to leave the European Union.

The polls will open at 8 AM (0600 GMT) to close at 8 PM (1800 GMT). As soon as the polls close, initial projections from pollsters will be made.

Bernard Sananes, pollster Elabe stated that each of the candidates has a weakness. “Emmanuel Macron has been deemed arrogant and Marine Le Pen is still scary by half the voters,” said Elabe.

Macron, who is 44 years old, was the winner of that matchup five-years ago. Macron has warned of civil war if Le Pen, whose policies prohibit the wearing of Muslim headscarves publicly, wins.

Le Pen (53 years old) has focused her campaign to highlight the increasing cost of living in France’s 7th largest economy. Many French believe that this has been exacerbated by the rise in energy prices. Her campaign also focuses on Macron’s harsh leadership style that she believes shows an elite contempt for common people.

She said that the question for Sunday was simple, Macron or France.

Le Pen’s message resonated with many voters.

She is very close to people. After the rally, Erika Herbin (43-year-old prison guard) said that she could give people purchasing power, smile and give them oxygen.

DISLIKE MACRON

Some others, such as Ghislaine Malie, a central France hairdresser, strongly disagree.

Madalie declared that she would vote Macron, having backed Jean-Luc Melenchon (far-left) in the first round. This is to protect herself from the repercussions of a Le Pen presidency. She also said that her clients were likely to vote far-right because they don’t like Macron.

Madalie (36), whose Moroccan family roots are in Morocco, stated that Le Pen is “distastrous” and was not to be trusted. “I’m anxious for myself, and for my children.”

Macron also criticised Le Pen over her past admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Le Pen rejects any allegations of racism. According to her, all French will benefit from her plans to make French citizens the priority for jobs and social housing, and eliminate some welfare benefits available for foreigners.

Jean-Daniel Levy from Harris Interactive pollsters said that opinions surveys had shown Le Pen unlikely to win. This is because large shifts would be required in voters’ intentions.

Macron’s win will mean a second difficult term. He won’t have the same grace period after his first victory. Protests are likely to be held over Macrons plan to maintain pro-business reforms. This includes raising the retirement age, from 62, to 65.

Le Pen, if she is elected, would attempt to implement radical changes in the country’s foreign and domestic policies. Protests could begin as soon as possible. Europe and the rest of Europe will feel shockwaves.

Whoever wins the election, the first big challenge will be winning June’s parliamentary polls to obtain a working majority for their programs to be implemented.