Revenge of the Sith: Le Pen to Unveil Electoral Plans

by Jordan Yerman | February 24, 2007 at 09:09 am

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This guy is like a boy band: so many records get sold, but nobody openly admits to being a fan. Untranationalists prey on opinions and emotions that voters like to keep hidden: racism, entitlement, xenophobia. His anti-invasion and anti-American stances make his bitter pill easier for people to swallow this time around, which is the scary thing.

France's National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen is due to unveil his platform for April's presidential elections at a convention in Lille.

Anti-immigration measures are at the heart of the programme, a message seen as key to his electoral fortunes.

In the last presidential elections in 2002, Mr Le Pen emerged as the surprise second candidate in the final run-off.

This year, he is trailing in the opinion polls, yet analysts say he could still reach the second round.

Polls often underestimate his support as it is thought many who privately back him are unlikely to publicly endorse him.

However an alternative third candidate to the two main left and right-wing presidential contenders is already emerging. The centrist Francois Bayrou has jumped to 17% in the opinion polls, potentially sapping support from both the main candidates.

In addition, the 78-year-old Mr Le Pen has yet to collect the 500 signatures from local officials that will enable him to stand.