In a special episode of France Elects, Ido Vock looks at the results of the first round of the French presidential election with New Statesman executive editor Megan Gibson.

They examine how Macron beat his 2017 performance, and why he could nevertheless find the second round much tougher this time. Also under discussion: how Marine Le Pen successfully detoxified her brand and the death of the traditional parties in French politics.

Ido and Megan also answer a listener’s question on why French presidents have traditionally struggled with re-election.

Further reading:

Exclusive polling: Marine Le Pen on 49 per cent of the vote for French president

French election 2022: Live results and analysis

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