One popular choice in the upcoming election is President Emmanuel Macron, 44, who has decided to wait until close to the March deadline to announce his candidacy, keeping his opponents guessing. Macron, comfortable in his centrist position, has observed the right and extreme-right parties attacking each other. Immigration and security have become key issues, overshadowing topics like climate change and France's growing debt from the coronavirus crisis. Far-right candidate Éric Zemmour has gained attention for his anti-immigrant views, claiming to be the only one protecting French civilization from Islam and American political correctness. Similar to former President Donald Trump, Zemmour relies on continuous provocation to remain in the spotlight, as seen in his recent conversation with Trump. Despite this, Macron maintains a significant lead in polls, with around 25% of the vote projected for the first round of the election on April 10th. Zemmour and two other right-wing candidates are polling in the 12%-18% range. On the other hand, left-wing parties are divided and currently appear to be mere onlookers for the first time since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958. While France typically leans towards the right, this time it has taken a sudden shift. Pascal Bruckner, a writer and political philosopher, stated that the left lost support from the popular classes, who turned to the far right due to the left's lack of response on immigration and Islam. Macron, seen as unpredictable, is now facing off against the right. Macron, who is perceived to have successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges, is currently in a strong position. The economy grew by 7% in the last quarter, with unemployment at a low 7.4% in France. It is likely that COVID-19 measures, such as mask requirements in public places, will be lifted before the election, which would hold significant symbolic importance. It is challenging to attack Macron because he represents both the remaining aspects of social democracy in France and right-wing policies, such as his strong stance against "Islamist separatism." Some criticize Macron for shifting towards the right, while others praise his flexibility. The upcoming election has turned into a battle between right-wing candidates for a chance to face Macron in the runoff. Marine Le Pen has become a vocal critic of Zemmour, accusing him of supporting Nazis and trying to destroy her party. Zemmour, known for his extreme belief that Islam is not compatible with France, has criticized Macron for trying to differentiate between extremist Islamism and the religion itself. Zemmour has also criticized Macron for not accepting the idea of the "great replacement," a racist theory that suggests white Christian populations are intentionally being replaced by nonwhite immigrants. Despite Zemmour's ability to break taboos and attract conservative voters, the president remains confident in his chances against both Le Pen and Zemmour in the upcoming election. While France is facing economic struggles and pandemic fatigue, a disruptive choice like voting for Trump or Brexit would be unexpected. Some voters, like retiree Paulette Brémond, are undecided between Macron and Zemmour. She expressed concern about the immigration issue and is waiting to hear what Mr. Macron has to say about it. She believes Macron may not be as extreme as Zemmour, but if he seems effective, she may vote for him again. She feels like the campaign has not really begun until Macron officially declares his candidacy, which is a common feeling in France where political maneuvering can seem like a show. The president, however, is focused on important matters of state such as his diplomatic efforts to prevent a war in Ukraine and ending the French anti-terrorist campaign in Mali. If Mali has been a noticeable failure, though one that is unlikely to change many voters' minds, the Ukraine crisis has allowed Macron to appear as Europe's leader in seeking constructive engagement with Russia, as long as it does not result in war. Zemmour and Le Pen, who together make up about 30% of the vote, openly admire Putin. A member of Macron's potential reelection team, speaking anonymously as per government protocol, expressed more concern about a potential runoff against Valérie Pécresse, the centre-right Republican candidate, than facing Le Pen or Zemmour in the second round. Pécresse, who shares an educational background with Macron and has served competently as president of France's most populous region for two terms, is a centrist by nature. She may attract centre-left and left-wing voters who see Macron as a betrayer in the second round. However, Pécresse's chances may have been damaged by a poor performance in her first major campaign speech in Paris this month, although not necessarily beyond repair. One recent poll showed Pécresse with 12% of the vote, a decrease from 19% in December. Pécresse has shifted towards the right due to the prevailing climate in France, which has been heavily impacted by Islamist terrorism. She referenced "the great replacement" in her campaign speech and defended herself against criticism for using language associated with the extreme right. Pécresse expressed her reluctance to participate in a Macron-Zemmour showdown, stating that voting for Le Pen or Zemmour ultimately supports Macron. Macron's first term focused on modernizing the French state, including changes to labor laws, eliminating the wealth tax, and implementing measures to attract foreign investment and stimulate the economy. Then there was a rebellion in the form of the Yellow Vest movement, which opposed increasing inequality and wealthy financiers like Macron who were seen as ignorant of widespread social suffering. Shortly after that subsided, the coronavirus pandemic hit, causing the president to shift suddenly from a supporter of free-market reforms to a proponent of state intervention by proclaiming, "We have nationalized salaries." Macron did not hesitate to make this declaration. The consequences of these actions will eventually be significant, but for now, Macron, known for his habit of frequently changing his stance, appears to be enjoying the success of managing the pandemic. "He was fortunate," stated a member of his campaign team. "The COVID pandemic prevented him from having to implement more unpopular reforms." There are still unpredictable events that could occur, such as a European war, a new strain of the virus, a major terrorist attack, or a resurgence of social unrest. However, at the moment, Macron's strategy of staying above the fray and waiting it out appears to be successful. "Unless a major disaster occurs, I can't see how Mr. Macron won't be reelected," Bruckner commented. Nevertheless, the true campaign will only begin once the current leader fully engages in the tumultuous political arena.