France: Anti-far-right protest in Orleans

It's a two-day congress under high surveillance in Orléans for a party that has made law and order a key issue. As the national rallies Marine Le Pen officially launches her presidential campaign this weekend, she is riding on a high in the wake of the October 17th rioting. A new poll carried out this week by the French Institute of Public Opinion suggests the far-right anti-immigration party leader would win the first round of the presidential election with 34 to 38 percent of the vote. She is also the frontrunner for the runoff. In six months' time, the French people will be able to choose a different path, one of restored authority and security, one of sovereignty and a democracy that is respected. Jordan Bardella also takes to the party presidency with hopes of being France's next prime minister, even in light of recent controversies. In September, media part reported that it had obtained a series of written exchanges from Bardella when he was younger, which displayed obsessive anti-Semitism. He has denied the claims and is challenging them in court. The goal is to destroy my political career. He also faced criticism for his proposed alternative budget for 2027, that it was amateur and unrealistic. Le Pen, too, has had her reputation tarnished with a criminal conviction. She was found guilty of embezzling European Union funds in a fake job scam. Opponents have also described the party as racist and fascist. The far right is clearly a danger to France. The situation calls for action. But Le Pen sees herself ushering in a renaissance for France if she becomes president with a Bardellot government.