Marine Le Pen steps down as National Front leader hours after election boost

Marine Le Pen, leader of the Front National party, has announced a surprising move by temporarily stepping down less than 24 hours after securing a spot in the second round of the French presidential election. The unexpected decision follows Centrist Emmanuel Macron’s victory in the first round, with Le Pen trailing behind.

Le Pen’s move is seen as an effort to broaden her appeal and distance herself from the Front National, perceived by many as far-right with controversial connotations. Despite her previous association with the party, which includes an eight-year relationship with a Jewish boyfriend, Louis Aliot, Le Pen emphasized her belief in a president representing all French citizens.

In her statement, Le Pen declared, “I’ve always believed that the president should be the president of all the French people and reflect the French public in its entirety. Therefore, as of tonight, I am no longer the president of the Front National; I am a candidate for the presidential election.”

Le Pen aims to reach out to potential voters who supported Eurosceptic Jean-Luc Melenchon and Conservative Francois Fillon. The decision to step down from the Front National leadership is viewed as a strategic move to run independently, distancing herself from the party’s past and broadening her appeal.

The move has fueled speculation that Le Pen may release a more centrist manifesto to unite France, attracting voters from various political spectrums. Insiders suggest that Florian Phillipot could take over the campaign while Le Pen focuses on organizing a new manifesto.

This development comes as President Francois Hollande endorses Emmanuel Macron to be the next leader of France. Le Pen, in a video on the Front National, expressed gratitude to her supporters for their backing in the first round, where she secured the second position. Macron received 23.74% of the votes, while Le Pen secured 21.53%, setting the stage for a final round on May 7.

Le Pen emphasized her commitment to protecting France’s borders and tackling terrorism. Despite Hollande’s warning of dangerous consequences if she were to win, Le Pen remains encouraged by the result, citing it as a historic moment with an enormous responsibility to defend French culture.

Angela Merkel’s spokesman praised Macron’s success, expressing support for his policies. Le Pen has previously removed the party’s name and her last name from campaign posters in an attempt to appeal to voters from both sides of the political spectrum.

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