hello and welcome to paris, where in the next 30 minutes polls will close in the first round of the french presidential election. it has been a political truism for several years to describe france as a politically divided country — and this year it is even more so. when the incumbent, emmanuel macron, the youngest french leader since napoleon, eventually confirmed he was running for a second term at the elysee, he was some 20 points ahead of his far right rival marine le pen, of the national rally party. according to the last

polls on friday night, that lead has now shrunk to as little as 5 points. to as little as two or 3 points. and many pundits are now asking if marine le pen, on this, her third attempt, could bring about a political earthquake. back in 2017 macron crushed her in the second round vote. but will history repeat itself? what is clear is that this election today is not about the traditional battle between left and right. today this is about macron and his political progressives 7 and the political extremes on the right and the left. so what have been the key issues in the campaign for a country and a continent coming out of a global pandemic and now living through one of the biggest conflicts since the second world war? all the research shows that for millions of french citizens it is the rising cost of living, the growing dislocation between the rich and poor, city dwellers and those

from the rural "france profonde", the retirement age and climate change. immigration is still being pursued by far right candidate eric zemmour, but less so 7 publicly 7 by marine le pen. over the next 90 minutes we'll bring you the first exit polls, reaction and analysis from our correspondents at campaign headquarters and my guests here in the heart of paris. first i'm joined by my colleague helene daouphars. she's been working all day on the bbc�*s online live coverage of this election and will be helping us through the evening with the latest lines as they come in. also by nacira guenif 7 she s a professor of sociology at university of paris 8 vincennes7saint denis. later in the programme we'll speak to representatives of the main political parties.

we also have correspondents in key locations. jessica parker is at the campaign headquarters of emmanuel macron, at the paris expo porte de versailles, that s in the capital s 15th arrondissement, about 5km from where we re standing. nick beake is in the 12th arrondissement, where marine le pen�*s supporters and campaign staff are waiting to see if opinion polls putting her within touching distance of the frontrunner, that will be confirmed in the actual vote. and we have anna holligan, live at the cirque d'hiver in the 11th arrondissement, about 6km from our base that's the campaign headquarters ofjean luc melenchon, the 70—year—old leftist founder of the france unbowed movement. we'll be hearing from then in a moment but first here's a round—up of the day's events from lucy williamson. flowers outside the polling station are always welcome on election day but it's his popularity

inside that counts. after weeks spent focusing on the war in ukraine, emmanuel macron was still in full campaign mode, kissing children right up to the doors of the polling station in le touquet. inside he took a voting slip for each of the 12 candidates in this election. wonder who he voted for. it was all smiles and selfies as voters lined up to welcome the far right leader marine le pen. some of her supporters still too young to vote. she has been through this twice before but polls now suggest she is within the margin of error to win. polls have put mr macron and ms le pen almost neck and neck and neck in this vote. behind them candidates from the hard right and far left, france's traditional parties of government left way down the list.

the saying for france's two—round election process is that you vote with your heart in the first round and your head in the second but with emmanuel macron and marine le pen so far ahead in the polls, many people have been left wondering how to make their vote count. i think she would be not so bad. not so bad as macron. right now we have extreme people that are explaining the problem, for instance because of rich people. _ so i have about to stop this way of thinking. for instance because of rich people, so i vote to stop this way of thinking. translation: i changed my mind at the last minute, i took- the voting slip of one candidate but as i was about to vote i threw it away and went with the person i voted for last time. emmanuel macron has framed this election as a battle between him and the extremes. marine le pen says he is just another politician who's out of touch.

the decision facing france in voting booths across the country — is it time for change or not? we have our correspondence standing by, jessica parker and nick beek and anna holligan. i'm joined now by nick beake who is at marine le pen s campaign headquarters in the 12th arrondissement where her supporters what is the mood there now? we are in the grounds _ what is the mood there now? we are in the grounds of _ what is the mood there now? we are in the grounds of a _ what is the mood there now? we are in the grounds of a beautiful - what is the mood there now? we are in the grounds of a beautiful park- in the grounds of a beautiful park to the east of the city centre where you are. i cannot show you many pictures of the beautiful grounds because everyone is packed into this building, a pavilion, hundreds of members of the media and hundreds of members of the media and hundreds of members of the campaign faithful, supporters of marine le pen and talking to people it looks like there was a spring in their step. there are smiles, handshakes, hugs,

this is a campaign that feels it has momentum and not long to go until they find out how well their woman has done. people here feel the last two weeks have been crucial, there is a perception that world president macron has been engaged with the war in ukraine he has been talking too much to the kremlin are not listening to the french people, that is the accusation from marine le pen's side and i hope that translates into votes today in france. ,., translates into votes today in france. , ., , translates into votes today in france. , ., france. do they also accept that erha -s france. do they also accept that perhaps having _ france. do they also accept that perhaps having another - france. do they also accept that perhaps having another far - france. do they also accept that perhaps having another far right candidate more extreme than marine le pen, eric zemmour, has helped detoxify what some french would have considered in terms of voting for her? �* , ,., , considered in terms of voting for her? �* , , ., her? i'm sure the party faithful here wouldn't _ her? i'm sure the party faithful here wouldn't use _ her? i'm sure the party faithful here wouldn't use the - her? i'm sure the party faithful here wouldn't use the word - her? i'm sure the party faithful- here wouldn't use the word detoxify but there is no doubt they share that sentiment. the fact that eric zemmour didn't distance himself from vladimir putin and wasn't able to be

as nimble, many people think, as marine le pen. in the past she has had links with president putin, she went to visit him in the kremlin but kept quiet on that and set the agenda in terms of a cost of living crisis can talking about the fact people are not well off and that president macron in her eyes has neglected the people of this country so in terms of having someone outflanking her on the right means she hasn't had to talk about immigration and security and those policies remain, she wants a ban on muslim women wearing a headscarf in public, she said french people should getjobs and housing before anyone else, she wants to take france out of nato, she would like the eu replaced by another body and has been trying to soften her image so she talked about being a single mother, her love of cats, and she hopes this image is something that will shine with more french people

in a way it didn't in her two previous presidential campaigns. she has six caps, doesn't she, all female? more from you in a moment. female7 more from you in a moment. let's go tojessica parker who was at the campaign headquarters of emmanuel macron. the mood there7 emmanuel macron. the mood there? it's mixed, so many supporters have been _ it's mixed, so many supporters have been arriving — it's mixed, so many supporters have been arriving over the last half an hour~ _ been arriving over the last half an hour~ some — been arriving over the last half an hour. some i have spoken to quietly confident_ hour. some i have spoken to quietly confident that macron can pull this one off— confident that macron can pull this one off despite this tightening in the polls— one off despite this tightening in the polls that we saw in recent days, — the polls that we saw in recent days, others much more apprehensive about— days, others much more apprehensive about what_ days, others much more apprehensive about what may emerge this evening but one _ about what may emerge this evening but one supporter i spoke to, a young — but one supporter i spoke to, a young man _ but one supporter i spoke to, a young man called ntn, was saying it had been _ young man called ntn, was saying it had been a _ young man called ntn, was saying it had been a strange campaign because of ukraine, _ had been a strange campaign because of ukraine, because of coronavirus but he _ of ukraine, because of coronavirus but he thinks emmanuel macron will have to _ but he thinks emmanuel macron will have to up _ but he thinks emmanuel macron will have to up his game if you can get through— have to up his game if you can get through to — have to up his game if you can get through to this second round, so there _ through to this second round, so there is— through to this second round, so

there is a — through to this second round, so there is a sense of apprehension here _ there is a sense of apprehension here that — there is a sense of apprehension here that they are obviously hoping their man _ here that they are obviously hoping their man will get through to the next round, so mixed use so for an interesting — next round, so mixed use so for an interesting evening ahead. he next round, so mixed use so for an interesting evening ahead.- interesting evening ahead. he was ve late interesting evening ahead. he was very late to _ interesting evening ahead. he was very late to officially _ interesting evening ahead. he was very late to officially throw - interesting evening ahead. he was very late to officially throw his - very late to officially throw his hat into the ring. was that a mistake?— hat into the ring. was that a mistake? ., ,., , hat into the ring. was that a mistake? ., , �* mistake? that something else i've been talking _ mistake? that something else i've been talking to _ mistake? that something else i've been talking to people _ mistake? that something else i've been talking to people here - mistake? that something else i've been talking to people here this i been talking to people here this evening — been talking to people here this evening about, have there been errors— evening about, have there been errors along the way? again a bit of a mix, _ errors along the way? again a bit of a mix. some — errors along the way? again a bit of a mix, some people saying to me that following _ a mix, some people saying to me that following the invasion of ukraine by russia, _ following the invasion of ukraine by russia, it _ following the invasion of ukraine by russia, it seems perhaps wrong to go for a high—profile campaign, russia, it seems perhaps wrong to go fora high—profile campaign, lots russia, it seems perhaps wrong to go for a high—profile campaign, lots of rallies, _ for a high—profile campaign, lots of rallies, they didn't think it would fit the _ rallies, they didn't think it would fit the mood and think it was right for him _ fit the mood and think it was right for him to— fit the mood and think it was right for him to concentrate on that crisis — for him to concentrate on that crisis because he has received a lot of criticism — crisis because he has received a lot of criticism from some quarters that he has _ of criticism from some quarters that he has been — of criticism from some quarters that he has been to a low profile at home, — he has been to a low profile at home, distracted by international affairs _ home, distracted by international affairs but others think macron will have to _ affairs but others think macron will have to start paying more attention

to domestic issues and think there perhaps— to domestic issues and think there perhaps have been mistakes along the way and _ perhaps have been mistakes along the way and as— perhaps have been mistakes along the way and as well in terms of the policies. — way and as well in terms of the policies, there has been criticism as to _ policies, there has been criticism as to whether they are eye—catching enough _ as to whether they are eye—catching enough. when i was at a market in the north—west of paris earlier today, — the north—west of paris earlier today, some people told me they felt a lot of— today, some people told me they felt a lot of the _ today, some people told me they felt a lot of the candidates were too managerial rather than offering a bil managerial rather than offering a big vision— managerial rather than offering a big vision because when emmanuel macron— big vision because when emmanuel macron burst onto the scene five years _ macron burst onto the scene five years ago. — macron burst onto the scene five years ago, a relatively fresh face, took— years ago, a relatively fresh face, took politics by storm, five years later— took politics by storm, five years later his — took politics by storm, five years later his opponents want to paint him as— later his opponents want to paint him as an — later his opponents want to paint him as an establishment figure so for supporters here tonight, some think— for supporters here tonight, some think it _ for supporters here tonight, some think it was — for supporters here tonight, some think it was right to keep a relatively low— key statesman—like, others _ relatively low— key statesman—like, others think things will have to change — others think things will have to change if— others think things will have to change if he gets through to the next round. change if he gets through to the next round-— change if he gets through to the next round. ., ,, i. ., ., ., next round. thank you for an hour. comina next round. thank you for an hour. coming third _ next round. thank you for an hour. coming third so _ next round. thank you for an hour. coming third so far, _ next round. thank you for an hour. coming third so far, jean-luc- coming third so far, jean—luc melenchon, a 70—year—old fight left candidate and this is his third

attempt at the presidency. let's go to anna holligan who was at his headquarters. what is the mood there? ., ., . there? you may be able to detect the mood behind — there? you may be able to detect the mood behind me, _ there? you may be able to detect the mood behind me, they— there? you may be able to detect the mood behind me, they have - there? you may be able to detect the mood behind me, they have been - mood behind me, they have been cheering we are here, have we won because in a sense he has already surpassed expectations coming third in the polls. we are inside a circus here, this place is packed, mostly press and campaign supporters, about 100 people outside. he is the oldest candidate running at 70 years old but has connected with those crucial younger voters. but has connected with those crucial youngervoters. he but has connected with those crucial younger voters. he has used social media, holograms to project himself across the country on stages and has been seen as very successful in that sense. a lot of his supporters we have spoken to feel as though they have spoken to feel as though they have been disenfranchised by someone they believed on in 2017, emmanuel

macron, they say we had such great expectations, we had all these promises for start—ups and it seemed to be in touch with what young people wanted and they feel let down and that is why so many have turned to this man who was about to step on stage here, and interestingly some of them have been telling us, if melenchon doesn't make it to the final two, melenchon doesn't make it to the finaltwo, he melenchon doesn't make it to the final two, he will not vote because they say nobody else in this bout represents what is close to their heart, climate, the environment, socialjustice heart, climate, the environment, social justice so they say the election should be cancelled in that sense and even if he doesn't go through to the final two and there is a repeat of 2017, his role still could be critical and that of his supporters because if they don't have him, where will thereabouts go? just remind us of his views on nato

and the euro. just remind us of his views on nato and the euro-— and the euro. very controversial in fact, and the euro. very controversial in fact. especiallv _ and the euro. very controversial in fact, especially in _ and the euro. very controversial in fact, especially in light _ and the euro. very controversial in fact, especially in light of - and the euro. very controversial in fact, especially in light of what's . fact, especially in light of what's happening in ukraine because he wants to pull france out of nato. he is eurosceptic and has been very critical in that sense, he is also perceived by some as being a bit too close to russia so makes it through, that will shape the debate from here on and some people have said, some of the young dissolution people we have spoken to, said if he doesn't make it the row, some and this is a very few, would be able to bend so far that they would go out from the far that they would go out from the far left where he is, socialist, to the far right and marine le pen because they are that adamant that they don't want another term of president macron because he is seen by many here as out of touch, a

president of the rich, which is not what they hoped for when they voted for him in 2017. you can hear they are getting very excited here because as some have been saying, being in this third place in the polls is already enough to make the point at as he was coming into this hollow i spoke to him and he said the fact he is doing so well in the polls suggest people around europe need to look and learn and realise the people of france are prepared to vote from their hearts and from a moral perspective. i vote from their hearts and from a moral perspective.— moral perspective. i can confirm that ou moral perspective. i can confirm that you have — moral perspective. i can confirm that you have the _ moral perspective. i can confirm that you have the loudest - that you have the loudest headquarters so far. more from you in a moment. with me are helene daouphars, journalist at the bbc who's been working on the online coverage of this election, and nacira guenif, professor of sociology at university of paris 8 vincennes7saint denis. thank you both. helene, ifi

thank you both. helene, if i can start with you, it has been the strangest of campaigns. you have been watching this for several days and i've been here a few days, is this one of the most narrow abbott first rounds? it is this one of the most narrow abbott first rounds?— first rounds? it is and it has been stranue first rounds? it is and it has been strange because _ first rounds? it is and it has been strange because people - first rounds? it is and it has been strange because people have - first rounds? it is and it has been. strange because people have been occupied with other big issues, covid has been huge in france and then the war in ukraine has worried so many people, so what we were hearing from the people in the streets and in the markets where we went in the last few days was we didn't feel like there was a campaign, no—one was really engaging from french people feel they didn't have enough debate and didn't see enough debate on tv, macron was not getting involved in debates has been quite strange although this is normal because none of the other presidents or were present at the time it would have taken part anyway so it has been a strange campaign, it feels like for macron it was a

very last minute and rushed and he was so busy dealing with his phone calls with putin so a very awkward and finally towards the end this, marine le pen is doing well, what's happening? marine le pen is doing well, what's ha eninu? . marine le pen is doing well, what's happening?— happening? nacira, what is your anal sis? happening? nacira, what is your analysis? there's _ happening? nacira, what is your analysis? there's a _ happening? nacira, what is your analysis? there's a huge - happening? nacira, what is your. analysis? there's a huge difference between 2017 _ analysis? there's a huge difference between 2017 and _ analysis? there's a huge difference between 2017 and today, _ analysis? there's a huge difference between 2017 and today, regarding | between 2017 and today, regarding how people engage with the campaign, when you _ how people engage with the campaign, when you think of people on the left like melenchon they started their campaign six or eight months ago so they had _ campaign six or eight months ago so they had some sense that there was a real issue _ they had some sense that there was a real issue at _ they had some sense that there was a real issue at stake, they really had to be _ real issue at stake, they really had to be campaigning for ahead of time, whereas— to be campaigning for ahead of time, whereas macron considered he was winning _ whereas macron considered he was winning anyway and especially he took advantage, if i may say, unfortunately of the war in ukraine because _ unfortunately of the war in ukraine because he — unfortunately of the war in ukraine because he thought as a chief in

times— because he thought as a chief in times of— because he thought as a chief in times of war this might serve his purpose — times of war this might serve his purpose during the campaign, which is something quite cynical to start with and _ is something quite cynical to start with and i'm puzzled by that. if it is cynical- _ with and i'm puzzled by that. if it is cynical- it _ with and i'm puzzled by that. if it is cynical. it didn't _ with and i'm puzzled by that. if it is cynical. it didn't work. - with and i'm puzzled by that. if it is cynical. it didn't work. he - with and i'm puzzled by that. if it is cynical. it didn't work. he was| is cynical. it didn't work. he was resident is cynical. it didn't work. he was president of _ is cynical. it didn't work. he was president of the _ is cynical. it didn't work. he was president of the rotating - is cynical. it didn't work. he was president of the rotating eu - president of the rotating eu presidency so would have been obliged to do what he could on that front. marine le pen has made the cost of living the principal driver of her campaign. has he ignored that were not made enough of what he has physically and economically done because many of his supporters and critics would say he has cherry picked from left and right and has given a lot of money to the french population in the light of the pandemic?— population in the light of the andemic? . , , , �*, pandemic? precisely, but let's remember _ pandemic? precisely, but let's remember that _ pandemic? precisely, but let's remember that before - pandemic? precisely, but let's remember that before there . pandemic? precisely, but let's. remember that before there were reforms _ remember that before there were reforms that were under way, the retirement— reforms that were under way, the retirement and other reforms that were _ retirement and other reforms that were striking really hard the more

modest _ were striking really hard the more modest and less advantaged people in the french— modest and less advantaged people in the french society, so this was the first part _ the french society, so this was the first part of — the french society, so this was the first part of his term and then he had to— first part of his term and then he had to do— first part of his term and then he had to do with the pandemic and what it had _ had to do with the pandemic and what it had become, which was about survival— it had become, which was about survival in— it had become, which was about survival in times of difficulties because — survival in times of difficulties because of the sanitary situation so it was— because of the sanitary situation so it was not— because of the sanitary situation so it was not really his policy, it was not something that was imposed on him that— not something that was imposed on him that he had to address at some point, _ him that he had to address at some point, like — him that he had to address at some point, like all european societies. and helene, nacira mentioned the retirement age, jean—luc melenchon wants to reduce it to 60, its 62 at the moment, macron wants to go to 65 but there is an economic cost for all european countries when it comes to the pandemic but how provocative is that stance, to say we have to raise this, other european countries

do, how many people will be limited? this is always a difficult question, the retirement age, and it's a very treacherous place to go when you are president. many of them have had difficulties with this issue, now he has announced it during his campaign and it's not seen very well at all but the issue is always financing and repaying the debt and how the country can survive and keep going and beat driving.— and beat driving. france's debt ratio to gbp — and beat driving. france's debt ratio to gbp is _ and beat driving. france's debt ratio to gbp is 11594. _ and beat driving. france's debt ratio to gbp is 11594. at - and beat driving. france's debt ratio to gbp is 11511. at the - and beat driving. france's debt - ratio to gbp is 11596 at the moment, ratio to gbp is 115% at the moment, if marine le pen orjean—luc melenchon went in, that would soar. that is what people are saying about what these candidates are offering, it is promising everything to people. it is promising everything to --eole. ~ ., it is promising everything to --eole. ~ . ., it is promising everything to --eole. ~ ., ., ., ., people. we are going to go somewhere else now.

i'm joined now by giorgio leali, policy reporter at politico europe. hejoins us from eric he joins us from eric zemmour�*s headquarters. eric zemmour has outflanked marine le pen in terms of his far right policies. what is the atmosphere where you are? the atmosphere. — atmosphere where you are? tue: atmosphere, there atmosphere where you are? tte: atmosphere, there is atmosphere where you are? "tt2 atmosphere, there is a atmosphere where you are? tt2 atmosphere, there is a lot of excitement, many people especially many young people, the candidate himself has not arrived yet but he should come very soon. i spoke with some very young zemmour supporters, a couple of people from 19 and 20 years old and they were confident that zemmour could perform better than a lot of polls are saying but what i found interesting is that when i asked them who they would write for next they were sure they would vote for marine le pen if zemmour doesn't qualify for the second round. t5 zemmour doesn't qualify for the second round.— zemmour doesn't qualify for the second round. is it fair to say that when he entered _ second round. is it fair to say that when he entered this _ second round. is it fair to say that when he entered this race - second round. is it fair to say that when he entered this race he - second round. is it fair to say that l when he entered this race he came second round. is it fair to say that - when he entered this race he came in with real momentum but things have

slightly dissipated, they have tailed off over the past few weeks as marine le pen surged forward? definitely, there are several explanations, one of those is the war in ukraine, both marine le pen and zemmourare war in ukraine, both marine le pen and zemmour are known for their stances but since the war was extreme he faced more criticism than marine le pen, also he kept talking about foreign policy while marine le pen quite smartly didn't position herself too much on this so she kept herself too much on this so she kept her campaign focused on economic problems of french people while zemmour did a campaign similar to what she used to do before so was focusing on migration, he proposed to create a ministry to repatriate people in france so he hammered on far right topics which this time does not seem to have worked very

well. tn does not seem to have worked very well. ., does not seem to have worked very well. . ., , , ., ., well. in a few words, they are not friends, well. in a few words, they are not friends. are _ well. in a few words, they are not friends, are they, _ well. in a few words, they are not friends, are they, they _ well. in a few words, they are not friends, are they, they are - well. in a few words, they are not friends, are they, they are not. friends, are they, they are not political allies even though they occupied some of the same ground? they are not, a few days ago zemmour made clear that after the election he would be either the new president or the leader of the opposition but then many people moved from marine le pen's party to his so there is a similarity of ideas and people do not exclude they could find an agreement and may be come up with an alliance. , ., ., ., ~ agreement and may be come up with an alliance. , ., ., ., ,, , ., agreement and may be come up with an alliance. , ., . ., ~ i. ., alliance. georgia, thank you for “oininr us alliance. georgia, thank you for joining us on — alliance. georgia, thank you for joining us on bbc— alliance. georgia, thank you for joining us on bbc news. - i'm joined now by edouard lecerf, deputy managing director, bva, research and consulting firm. are we at a tipping point, do you think, according to your latest information?— think, according to your latest information? , , , ., information? yes, because we are 'ust a few information? yes, because we are just a few minutes _ information? yes, because we are just a few minutes before - information? yes, because we are just a few minutes before the - just a few minutes before the revelation comes before everyone will know what the strength will be.

we are at a moment that we saw during the last weeks strong dynamics between candidates after a rather dull campaign, it accelerated over the past week. what we will see is probably will be made of potentially tension among voters and those tensions were or have been fuelled by everything that has been said, like the last published polls were showing a narrowing gap between macron and le pen, so probably it will have an effect on voters. some of them might have feared the fact that le pen could be at a high level, even close to macron, some polls were already anticipating that she could be at the same level, and that could have an effect on some voters that would have come to

without saying i don't want that, so that could be in effect, otherwise it could be that what we saw in the last few days were the gap was becoming small could mean we would have something that made no difference, but we could feel the dynamics are maybe more in favour of voters saying oh, god, let's do some strategic or tactical vote and go, evenif strategic or tactical vote and go, even if it's not exactly our candidate for the first round, in france we usually choose in the first round and eliminate in the second so maybe the first round will have been different this time, and we will see if melenchon, who was boosted in voting intentions over the past days, if he continues on that trend or not, that will be another indication of the rebuilding

of the whole political organisation in france because at the same time, remember you have the socialist party, the traditional strong socialist party could almost disappear in that election, with the latest voting intentions, the mayor of paris being right around 2%, same for the right wing with valerie pecresse, if she is behind eric zemmour, if she is really low and that could happen, if she is low the whole reconstruction movement of the political organisation in france could be fuelled by what we are going to see in a few minutes. tt’s going to see in a few minutes. it's extraordinary, anne hidalgo, the socialist candidate polling around 2% which would mean she loses her deposit. what should we read into that suspected turn out here being

about 11% lower than 2017, who does that advantage? tt’s about 4% lower than 2017, who does that advantage?— that advantage? it's a hard question- _ that advantage? it's a hard question. based _ that advantage? it's a hard question. based on - that advantage? it's a hard question. based on what . that advantage? it's a hard l question. based on what we that advantage? it's a hard - question. based on what we saw, we understand this turned out, the lowest in the fifth republic, only if you take away the 2002 presidential election when it was even lower but it is four points less than we had in 2017 so it's really complicated to say until we know exactly who went to vote and to decided not to commit that is quite obvious but what will be interesting is to understand how much the results we discover in a few minutes will impact the voters because probably we will have something like half of the voters of the first round who will not have their candidate for a second round, they

will have to make a new choice, will i vote, who will i vote for, not my first choice obviously, then i have to do something different? and based on the final turnout, the turnout from the second round in 15 days, and the way the vote was split again for the second round, this will be key for the second round and to note who will win in the end and as we see in france always, when the first round is over, a new campaign starts, and this is what will happen in about three minutes from now. it's so exciting and this whole campaign has been electrified by the narrowing of the rise. in terms of marine le pen focusing on the cost of living, interesting figures, 70% of living, interesting figures, 70% of the workforce in france takes him less than 2000 euros a month but in

terms of her concentrating on that, how she put her finger on the most important issue for the majority of french charisma yes, opinion polls were absolutely showing that everything around the cost of living and the purchase power, trading power, was obviously the most important topic people had in mind, much as head of immigration, security, even environment, so with that she has made a very devout campaign, a campaign that was quite coherent from beginning to the end, with always going to people and saying this is the point and this is what i will fight for, in that weight she changed a little bit the weight she changed a little bit the weight she changed a little bit the weight she was presenting herself and of course we know that eric

zemmourjust focusing on zemmour just focusing on immigration, the zemmourjust focusing on immigration, the great replacement, as he says, he allowed her to take that new more social, open and softer position and that could fuel some of the votes. fantastic, thank you very much indeed. 28.1 for emmanuel macron. 23.3 for marine _ 28.1 for emmanuel macron. 23.3 for marine le _ 28.1 for emmanuel macron. 23.3 for marine le pen. 50 28.1 for emmanuel macron. 23.3 for marine le pen-— marine le pen. so a distance of about five _ marine le pen. so a distance of about five points _ marine le pen. so a distance of about five points which - marine le pen. so a distance of about five points which was - marine le pen. so a distance of| about five points which was what marine le pen. so a distance of - about five points which was what the polls were saying on friday night. so marine le pen has not done it but we have valid —— valerie pecresse on 5%, we have the khan younis and

nicolas dupont and anne hidalgo, what an extraordinary result there, 2.1% for the socialists which mean she loses her deposit. when you think back i decade or more, the fight between the left and right of france, the left absolutely demolished. let us go tojess parker. i'm joined now by jessica parker, who's at the campaign headquarters of emmanuel macron, at the paris expo porte de versailles 7 that's in the capital s 15th arrondissement. relief there. yes, as you can hear, huge cheers behind me. incredibly happy here at macron hq. 0bviously happy here at macron hq. obviously there have been huge nerves. ten minutes ago things were looking pretty tight but their man has come out in front. perhaps a bigger

margin than many expected, they seem pretty delighted, waving the french flag and the european union flag as well. macron is a very pro—eu candidate and through to the next round in a stronger showing that many would have thought tonight. tt many would have thought tonight. it is very noisy where you are, i hope you can hear me. it is a much narrower lead than the ad at the beginning. narrower lead than the ad at the bearinnin. , narrower lead than the ad at the beginning-— narrower lead than the ad at the bearinnin. , , ., beginning. yes, absolutely, and as 'ust a beginning. yes, absolutely, and as just a short — beginning. yes, absolutely, and as just a short time _ beginning. yes, absolutely, and as just a short time ago, _ beginning. yes, absolutely, and as just a short time ago, some - beginning. yes, absolutely, and as| just a short time ago, some macron supporters think he wanted to up his game next couple of week. not that long ago many people were talking about macron being a sure thing for this presidential election and then recently, marine le pen climbing up the polls. the lead is narrower than many thought a few weeks ago but

nerves have been jangling, especially in recent days so there will be a sense of relief. things are not as clear as they might be but macron... the current incumbent has been accused of being too political, too much on the international stage, looking at ukraine whereas in france the cost—of—living has been something marine le pen has been concentrating on while she crisscrossed the country. on while she crisscrossed the count . , ., ., . , country. he is an aloof, decisive character _ country. he is an aloof, decisive character in _ country. he is an aloof, decisive character in french _ country. he is an aloof, decisive character in french politics, - country. he is an aloof, decisive character in french politics, his| character in french politics, his nickname wasjupiter, king of the gods. who will support him now? where will have to work hard to get support and a second ballot? yes. where will have to work hard to get support and a second ballot? yes, i think there — support and a second ballot? yes, i think there is _ support and a second ballot? yes, i think there is a _ support and a second ballot? yes, i think there is a fear _ support and a second ballot? yes, i think there is a fear amongst - support and a second ballot? yes, i think there is a fear amongst his . think there is a fear amongst his supporters of macron. there is a feeling for example that those on

the left who might have supported him last time round would be reluctant to do so now. the cms to centre—right and right—wing so there is a nervousness that those voters might not turnout for the second round so that is something that his team will be looking at going forward. they have been really happy and defending his campaign so far, his supporters say it was right to try and keep a bit aloof and not getting involved in some of the political mudslinging you sometimes see around the campaign. now it is down to the final two candidates in the final two weeks and things might get a bit more personal when you have that kind of dynamic. for now, thank ou have that kind of dynamic. for now, thank you very _ have that kind of dynamic. for now, thank you very much _ have that kind of dynamic. for now, thank you very much indeed. - have that kind of dynamic. for now, thank you very much indeed. we - have that kind of dynamic. for now, | thank you very much indeed. we will be speaking to a member of marine le pen's party but before that. i'm joined now by alexandre holroyd, member of france's national assembly for president macron's party

republic on the move. hejoins me now from london. you won but it was pretty close so not an overwhelming victory at all? i think what has come out of the result are two defining features, firstly the turnout is higher than expected and we should all congratulate ourselves for that result and secondly, we have two candidates for the second round and this will be a campaign until the last—minute because we have very different visions as to whether country should go, where europe should go and were front should be in the coming years and this will happen in the next two weeks. we will outline two different visions for the country and eventually french will be called on to decide on a couple of weeks. emmanuel macron left it too late? i don't think he left it late, he is an outgoing president which is different from being a candidate

with few national responsibilities. 0bviously with few national responsibilities. obviously the war in ukraine has had a determining factor. it is absolutely right to put those responsibility front and centre in the past week and he has campaigned, he has outlined a vision for france. he has built and what we have done for the last five years together which is make france competitive and create jobs for france and make france a decisive factor for europe. this will be outlined in the coming weeks and he will outline this tonight i present. the campaign is not over, two weeks remain. it is clear both candidates could theoretically win and we have to keep fighting until the very last minute to convince every single french person but the better future is with emmanuel macron. tdea french person but the better future is with emmanuel macron. idea think marine le pen _ is with emmanuel macron. idea think marine le pen did _ is with emmanuel macron. idea think marine le pen did so _ is with emmanuel macron. idea think marine le pen did so well, _ is with emmanuel macron. idea think marine le pen did so well, doesn't i marine le pen did so well, doesn't it show that emmanuel macron is out of touch with the french people? t of touch with the french people? i think europol has suggested that the president has come out the first

leading candidate in france, that is a signal that he is not out of touch at all. there are people with very different views in france and this is what the presidential election is all about, there is a first round with 12 candidates, more than many democracies. and then in the second round with the two frontrunners. if you believe that france has a decisive factor in tackling climate change, building europe tomorrow and creating a sovereign france then there is a clear path to that to happen with emmanuel macron... the other has another programme of turning inwards and shutting out most of the rest of the world, programme which will publish the french in my view which is what she is presenting to the french but we have to fight for the coming weeks for every single voter. every single voter is expressing their own perspective on warpath rancher taken coming years. i5 perspective on warpath rancher taken coming years. is it perspective on warpath rancher taken coming years-— coming years. is it right to raise the pension _

coming years. is it right to raise the pension age _ coming years. is it right to raise the pension age for— coming years. is it right to raise the pension age for the - coming years. is it right to raise the pension age for the french | coming years. is it right to raise - the pension age for the french from 62 up to 65 and do you fear as a member of his 110 the return of visuallyjohn. —— his party. i member of his 40 the return of visually john. -- his party. visuallyjohn. -- his party. ithink ension visuallyjohn. -- his party. ithink pension is— visuallyjohn. -- his party. ithink pension is very — visually john. -- his party. ithink pension is very unfair _ visually john. -- his party. ithink pension is very unfair in - visuallyjohn. -- his party. ithink pension is very unfair in france. l pension is very unfair in france. and we are saying as the french grow older we will to push the pension age higher and at the same time we have to make sure every pensioner in france gets a minimum pension of 1100 euros which is significantly more than they get today. we have to make sure the pension system is fairer so it is notjust an age measure, it is a fundamental reform of the pension system to make it more transparent, understandable and fairer and ensure everybody has a decent pension in france.- fairer and ensure everybody has a decent pension in france. thank you ve much decent pension in france. thank you very much for— decent pension in france. thank you very much forjoining _ decent pension in france. thank you very much forjoining us _ decent pension in france. thank you very much forjoining us here - decent pension in france. thank you very much forjoining us here in - very much forjoining us here in paris.

joining me now is bruno gollnisch, french politican and member of marine le pen's national rally party. you spoke to herjust a few moments before you came here, she thought she was going to do it, didn't she? yes. she is very calm, she is required. she thinks that she can succeed this time. we will see what the second term will be but i think she has some, can i say that, some reserves. the big debate now is between complete free trade, globalism and the effects —— the destructive effects the french could see in the past five years. but a

quiet peaceful defence of national identity together with other nations, with cooperation in europe, but defending the rights, social rights and rights of all french people, regardless to their or whatever. people, regardless to their or whatever-— people, regardless to their or whatever. ~ ., , ., whatever. when you look manifesto in detail, she wants _ whatever. when you look manifesto in detail, she wants to _ whatever. when you look manifesto in detail, she wants to withdraw - whatever. when you look manifesto in detail, she wants to withdraw from - detail, she wants to withdraw from the supremacy of the eu law for example, she agrees but is not pro the schengen agreement because they are not the right people to be travelling around europe. she wants to withdraw in _ travelling around europe. she wants to withdraw in certain _ travelling around europe. she wants to withdraw in certain precise - to withdraw in certain precise points. she does want for example that french government, french

people decide for example how many foreign people and aliens come into this country and are allowed to stay. this does not mean we will sweep and get rid of all european cooperation because even in europe itself, there are many parties and even some governments in europe who exactly share our views. so i think she will have many allies and we can go on european competition and by the way i would say, the commission and council themselves and the european was the first to get rid of the trading if you consider the treaty of maastricht, no more than 3% deficit, now they completely

change this silly policy. haifa 396 deficit, now they completely change this silly policy. how many eo - le change this silly policy. how many --eole in change this silly policy. how many people in france _ change this silly policy. how many people in france at _ change this silly policy. how many people in france at the _ change this silly policy. how many people in france at the moment i people in france at the moment should not be here in terms of migrants? it should not be here in terms of migrants?— migrants? it is difficult to say. but migrants? it is difficult to say. itut anyway. — migrants? it is difficult to say. itut anyway. as _ migrants? it is difficult to say. but anyway, as for— migrants? it is difficult to say. but anyway, as for people - migrants? it is difficult to say. j but anyway, as for people who migrants? it is difficult to say. - but anyway, as for people who got french citizenship, even if we maybe would have given it with more severe conditions, more serious conditions, they get it if they behave well, they get it if they behave well, they have nothing to fear from marine le pen. but what we will stop, massive emigration and we will send back people for example who are not entitled to asylum, people came here illegally. —— massive emigration. people who committed crimes. it emigration. people who committed crimes. , ., crimes. it is a red herring the immigration _ crimes. it is a red herring the

immigration debate - crimes. it is a red herring the immigration debate becausel crimes. it is a red herring the| immigration debate because if crimes. it is a red herring the - immigration debate because if you look at other european countries, france does not have a significant greater number of migrants and other european countries, especially terms of foreign—born nationals? you of foreign-born nationals? you should go _ of foreign-born nationals? you should go in — of foreign-born nationals? you should go in the _ of foreign—born nationals? \]’t7t,, should go in the suburbs. of foreign-born nationals? you should go in the suburbs. i - of foreign-born nationals? you should go in the suburbs. i am | should go in the suburbs. i am lookin: should go in the suburbs. i am looking at _ should go in the suburbs. i am looking at the _ should go in the suburbs. i am looking at the facts _ should go in the suburbs. i am looking at the facts not - should go in the suburbs. i am looking at the facts not what you see in the suburbs. the looking at the facts not what you see in the suburbs.— see in the suburbs. the official number is _ see in the suburbs. the official number is absolutely - see in the suburbs. the official. number is absolutely meaningless because we are the only country to gift automatically french sedition ship to people who keep double nationality. —— french citizenship. people who have babies here, to people who did not even ask for and you think which is quite natural, keep theirformer you think which is quite natural, keep their former citizenship and so, in fact we are one of the countries, may be wheatears by the way, which is facing the most

important problem of massive emigration. important problem of massive emigration-— important problem of massive emirration. ~ . emigration. much has marine le pen been helped — emigration. much has marine le pen been helped by _ emigration. much has marine le pen been helped by law _ emigration. much has marine le pen been helped by law in _ emigration. much has marine le pen been helped by law in this _ emigration. much has marine le pen| been helped by law in this campaign, taking —— by eric zemmour who has taken a more harsh line than she has? . taken a more harsh line than she has? ,, . , taken a more harsh line than she has? ,, ., , ., , has? she was not helped. he took seven or 896 _ has? she was not helped. he took seven or 896 of— has? she was not helped. he took seven or 896 of the _ has? she was not helped. he took seven or 896 of the vote. - has? she was not helped. he took seven or 896 of the vote. i - has? she was not helped. he took seven or 896 of the vote. i think i seven or 8% of the vote. i think people who voted for eric zemmour will vote for marine le pen in the second round. but not only them but i think also many people either right or left will vote for her because as they consider that globalism is not the solution of the severe problems that this country is facing. severe problems that this country is facina. ,, ., severe problems that this country is facina. ., _ severe problems that this country is facina. ., , .,, severe problems that this country is facina. ., , , facing. some would say she has been heled b

facing. some would say she has been helped by eric— facing. some would say she has been helped by eric zemmour _ facing. some would say she has been helped by eric zemmour because - facing. some would say she has been helped by eric zemmour because he. helped by eric zemmour because he hijacked the migration until the themes she is normally confronted with herself, allowing her to focus on the cost of living and her critics would say that she has not really changed. she has had voice coaching, she is softer. she talks about her cat, she is a single mother of three, she lives with her childhood best friend but the real marine le pen, answer the question, she is still real marine le pen. she has a very — she is still real marine le pen. she has a very serious _ she is still real marine le pen. §t2 has a very serious proposal. she is still real marine le pen. 5t2 has a very serious proposal. about citizenship with a referendum on immigration policy. let me answer you, it has been presented to the press, two years vegas and your

colleagues, so everybody can know it. —— to your press and your colleagues. to the main fact that makes demonisation as decreasing because more of the french people came to realise that our analysis were just and the analysis is good and now they consider that maybe our solutions will work. has and now they consider that maybe our solutions will work.— solutions will work. has she costed her economic— solutions will work. has she costed her economic plan? _ solutions will work. has she costed her economic plan? let _ solutions will work. has she costed her economic plan? let me - solutions will work. has she costed her economic plan? let me remind j her economic plan? let me remind viewers that to be reduced to 20%, no income tax for anyone under 30 which will help footballers like killing mbappe saving millions of euros, how will she afford that? french debt gdp is... how was she afford all that? french debt gdp is. .. how was she afford all that?— afford all that? most of people under 30 m —

afford all that? most of people under 30 m very _ afford all that? most of people under 30 m very few _ afford all that? most of people under 30 m very few -- - afford all that? most of people | under 30 m very few -- eireann afford all that? most of people - under 30 m very few -- eireann very under 30 m very few —— eireann very few. the example that you gave of the footballer, that is one or two. at least these kind of people, they are very few that succeeded in being very rich under 30, they will remain in france because we have a problem of emigration but we have also a problem of people who leave the country. —— immigration. many people graduating from our best university leave the country because they are fed up with the burden of tax which is paralysing every initiative in this country so we hope that... so ou this country so we hope that... so you will reduce the top rate of tax? we hope to reduce also tax for

people more than 30 years of age but we cannot do everything at one time. it would not be serious. her programme is very serious. when we give money on one hand, we ask whether we take it?— give money on one hand, we ask whether we take it? thank you very much forjoining — whether we take it? thank you very much forjoining us _ whether we take it? thank you very much forjoining us here. _ whether we take it? thank you very much forjoining us here. if - whether we take it? thank you very much forjoining us here. if you - whether we take it? thank you very much forjoining us here. if you are | much forjoining us here. if you are justjoining us, let me bring you the projections for the close of the poll of the first round of the presidential election. voting has finished and now we have the first indication of how the candidates have performed. the exit polls are out. the national broadcaster. the incumbent president, emmanuel macron, has earned 28.1% of the first round vote. his main

rival, the far—right�*s marine le pen got 23.3 per cent. and yannickjadot from the greens — who wants france to ditch its nuclear power within 20 years — gained 4.4 per cent. that means he has lost his deposit. veteran left—wing campaigner and macron critic, that is a huge gain for him, this is his third attempt at the presidency. conservative candidate for les republicains, valerie pecresse, tookjust 5.0 so she has just saved her deposit. and 7.2 % of votes went to electoral novice and hardline nationalist, eric zemmour. quite extraordinary that he has beaten the republican candidate. i'm joined now by nick beake,

who is at marine le pen's campaign headquarters in the 12th arrondissement where her supporters and campaign staff are waiting to see if opinion polls put her within touching distance of the frontrunner will be confirmed in the actual vote. i have just been saying she related believe she had done it but she still think she can, is that the view there? still think she can, is that the view there ?_ still think she can, is that the view there? . , ., ., , ., view there? the celebrations and shoutin: , view there? the celebrations and shouting. the _ view there? the celebrations and shouting, the cheers _ view there? the celebrations and shouting, the cheersjust - view there? the celebrations and shouting, the cheersjust after i shouting, the cheersjust after eight — shouting, the cheersjust after eight o'clock when those exit polls came _ eight o'clock when those exit polls came out — eight o'clock when those exit polls came out and the solomon the screen behind _ came out and the solomon the screen behind me. _ came out and the solomon the screen behind me, it would suggest they are very sure _ behind me, it would suggest they are very sure she has done extremely welt _ very sure she has done extremely welt -- _ very sure she has done extremely welt -- and — very sure she has done extremely well. —— and they saw them on the screen _ well. —— and they saw them on the screen behind me. let me plough on from second, i've lost sound. this is the _ from second, i've lost sound. this is the highest scoresheet has achieved _ is the highest scoresheet has achieved in the three campaigns she has taken _ achieved in the three campaigns she has taken part in. you can hear brewing — has taken part in. you can hear brewing of— has taken part in. you can hear brewing of the republican candidate there _ brewing of the republican candidate there in— brewing of the republican candidate there. in the last five minutes, we have _ there. in the last five minutes, we have seen— there. in the last five minutes, we have seen selfies on champagne and also some _ have seen selfies on champagne and also some of the spin doctors going round _ also some of the spin doctors going round the _

also some of the spin doctors going round the room saying this is much better— round the room saying this is much better than— round the room saying this is much better than we expected and this is the highest third—round scoring in all three — the highest third—round scoring in all three campaigns she has fought so certainly optimism here and they feel momentum is on their side and they press— feel momentum is on their side and they press onto the second round. i have _ they press onto the second round. i have lost _ they press onto the second round. i have lost my — they press onto the second round. i have lost my sound by hope you can hear me _ have lost my sound by hope you can hear me amidst all the noise here. where _ hear me amidst all the noise here. where are — hear me amidst all the noise here. where are they looking for the second—round votes? that where are they looking for the second-round votes?- second-round votes? that is interesting. _ second-round votes? that is interesting, if _ second-round votes? that is interesting, if they _ second-round votes? that is interesting, if they had - second-round votes? that is interesting, if they had got l second-round votes? that is - interesting, if they had got even more _ interesting, if they had got even more votes, there is a perception that there — more votes, there is a perception that there may have been a wake—up factor— that there may have been a wake—up factor here, — that there may have been a wake—up factor here, if it had been marine le factor here, if it had been marine le pen _ factor here, if it had been marine le pen was — factor here, if it had been marine le pen was even higher, there would have been— le pen was even higher, there would have been a — le pen was even higher, there would have been a rallying range of macron, _ have been a rallying range of macron, the thinking being he was about— macron, the thinking being he was about to _ macron, the thinking being he was about to be booted out of the palace — about to be booted out of the palace i_ about to be booted out of the palace. i can give you an indication of the _ palace. i can give you an indication of the votes — palace. i can give you an indication of the votes on the streets of paris in the _ of the votes on the streets of paris in the last— of the votes on the streets of paris in the last few days and harris is not the — in the last few days and harris is not the heartland of the marine le pen campaign in her support. —— and

paris _ pen campaign in her support. —— and paris it— pen campaign in her support. —— and paris it is— pen campaign in her support. —— and paris it is the— pen campaign in her support. —— and paris. it is the north and the south — paris. it is the north and the south. she hopes to take it from all different— south. she hopes to take it from all different parts. we spoke before how eric zemmour had outflanked her in terms _ eric zemmour had outflanked her in terms of— eric zemmour had outflanked her in terms of more populist policies she would _ terms of more populist policies she would have exposed five years ago, maybe _ would have exposed five years ago, maybe ten — would have exposed five years ago, maybe ten years ago so i think the hope _ maybe ten years ago so i think the hope is _ maybe ten years ago so i think the hope is they can take a slice of lots of— hope is they can take a slice of lots of different pieces of the electorate in the next couple of weeks — electorate in the next couple of weeks. 0ne electorate in the next couple of weeks. one thing to mention, the tv debate _ weeks. one thing to mention, the tv debate was _ weeks. one thing to mention, the tv debate was crucial, she did really badly— debate was crucial, she did really badly last — debate was crucial, she did really badly last time. she held her own with emmanuel macron last time. whereas— with emmanuel macron last time. whereas apparently she has been practising behind—the—scenes day in and day— practising behind—the—scenes day in and day i _ practising behind—the—scenes day in and day i and her moment will come soon _ and day i and her moment will come soon when _ and day i and her moment will come soon when we had the tv debate. he. has not soon when we had the tv debate. h2 has not engaged yet as we had. thank you very much indeed, an extraordinary result for the far

left candidatejean—luc melenchon who got 20%, left candidate jean—luc melenchon who got 20%, more than he left candidatejean—luc melenchon who got 20%, more than he was predicted to. let us speak to joining me now is daniele 0bono, member of france's national assembly for the left—wing candidate jean—luc melenchon's party france unbowed. i'm very proud of the campaign and the support we built and are contradicted brilliantly despite all odds. so contradicted brilliantly despite all odds. , contradicted brilliantly despite all odds, , , ., contradicted brilliantly despite all odds. , . , odds. so this is an important result showin: odds. so this is an important result showing that _ odds. so this is an important result showing that in _ odds. so this is an important result showing that in france, _ odds. so this is an important result showing that in france, there - odds. so this is an important result showing that in france, there is - odds. so this is an important resultj showing that in france, there is the far right but the result left, rear left. it far right but the result left, rear left. , ., far right but the result left, rear left-_ there - far right but the result left, rear. left._ there were left. it is the far left? there were far left candidates. _ left. it is the far left? there were far left candidates. they - left. it is the far left? there were far left candidates. they were - left. it is the far left? there were far left candidates. they were far| far left candidates. they were far left, we are the left. the total —— with totalitarian, macron, the far right and the popular blog who will fight against all and what both of

those represent. you fight against all and what both of those represent.— fight against all and what both of those represent. you have a lot of 01m: those represent. you have a lot of young support. _ those represent. you have a lot of young support. people _ those represent. you have a lot of young support, people under- those represent. you have a lot of young support, people under the. those represent. you have a lot of. young support, people under the age of 30 which is interesting. what is he going to do without support, who is going to recommend that his supporters vote for? you is going to recommend that his supporters vote for? you mean for the second — supporters vote for? you mean for the second round? _ supporters vote for? you mean for the second round? as _ supporters vote for? you mean for the second round? as we - supporters vote for? you mean for the second round? as we did - supporters vote for? you mean for the second round? as we did last i the second round? as we did last election, five years ago, we will say and he already said there should be no vote for marie le pen and there will be a consultation scheduled for early next week with three choices, either abstention or whitewater or no vote macron. that is what we organised last presidential election. we showed that the majority of the people choose to not vote for marine le pen so what is important is showing the

youth that there is hope. i think our support was very much hopeful and vibrantand our support was very much hopeful and vibrant and dynamic and i think thatis and vibrant and dynamic and i think that is the message we have to send now to all the people who voted for jean—luc melenchon. itrufhat now to all the people who voted for jean-luc melenchon. what leverage does he have _ jean-luc melenchon. what leverage does he have over _ jean-luc melenchon. what leverage does he have over macron? - jean-luc melenchon. what leverage does he have over macron? he - jean-luc melenchon. what leverage l does he have over macron? he wants to reduce retirement age and micron wants to put it up. he wants a cut in vat and a wage rise. how will he persuade emmanuel macron to do that by offering support? we persuade emmanuel macron to do that by offering support?— by offering support? we will, 2096 of the electorate _ by offering support? we will, 2096 of the electorate in _ by offering support? we will, 2096 of the electorate in france _ by offering support? we will, 2096 of the electorate in france support - by offering support? we will, 2096 of the electorate in france support our| the electorate in france support our platform which shows we are a strong and progressive force now in france and progressive force now in france and the latest legislation will happen and hopefully there will be a strong opposition. you miracle that last time they were trying to do this reform they were blocked by

massive demonstration and our role inside the national assembly and i think the majority of this country is against this. polls show that people support pension at 60 and i think if we need to go back onto the street to fight outside the national assembly we will do that and with the support of the majority of people. the support of the ma'ority of --eole. , , the support of the ma'ority of eo le, , , , ., the support of the ma'ority of --eole. , , ., the support of the ma'ority of --eole. , ,,, . ., the support of the ma'ority of n-eole. , , . ., , ., people. this is so want to pull out of nato? 0ur _ people. this is so want to pull out of nato? our platform _ people. this is so want to pull out of nato? our platform receive - people. this is so want to pull out | of nato? our platform receive 2096 people. this is so want to pull out - of nato? our platform receive 2096 of the vote. of nato? our platform receive 2096 of the vote- so — of nato? our platform receive 2096 of the vote- so he _ of nato? our platform receive 2096 of the vote. so he does? _ of nato? our platform receive 2096 of the vote. so he does? we _ of nato? our platform receive 2096 of the vote. so he does? we still - of nato? our platform receive 2096 of the vote. so he does? we still standl the vote. so he does? we still stand on everything we defended on this platform. i think in the time of threat with nuclear war and everything is very unclear what is going on, i think our position is still very strong and still very coherent with how we see france's role within the world, nonaligned

which doesn't mean neutral. nonaligned because we should be able to talk to friends dance countries in the south that are nonaligned as well. —— to talk to countries in the south. well. -- to talk to countries in the south. , :: , , ., south. he is 70, this is a third attem -t south. he is 70, this is a third attempt at — south. he is 70, this is a third attempt at the _ south. he is 70, this is a third attempt at the palace, - south. he is 70, this is a third attempt at the palace, is - south. he is 70, this is a third attempt at the palace, is it i south. he is 70, this is a thirdj attempt at the palace, is it all overfor him, will he retire gracefully? over for him, will he retire gracefully?— over for him, will he retire gracefully? over for him, will he retire uracefull ? ., ., ., ~ ., gracefully? you do not know him well enou:h if gracefully? you do not know him well enough if you — gracefully? you do not know him well enough if you think _ gracefully? you do not know him well enough if you think he _ gracefully? you do not know him well enough if you think he will _ gracefully? you do not know him well enough if you think he will retire. - enough if you think he will retire. he will never retire. being an activist, social conscience is a lifelong work. we are here, there are 17 of us at the national assembly and i think we could be more next election and the support we have built with our campaign is even wider than our movement last time. so i think with the results we had to date, we will strengthen this

and sojean—luc melenchon legacy is still alive. and so jean-luc melenchon legacy is still alive. ,., ., ., and so jean-luc melenchon legacy is still alive. ., , , .,~ and so jean-luc melenchon legacy is stillalive. ., ,, .,~ ., still alive. good to speak to you, thank you _ still alive. good to speak to you, thank you very — still alive. good to speak to you, thank you very much. _ i want to go to and a whole again, expect to hearfrom hanson? brute i want to go to and a whole again, expect to hear from hanson? we are. we have outperformed _ expect to hear from hanson? we are. we have outperformed expectations, | we have outperformed expectations, we have spoken to some voters since the projections came in and although was not the result there looking for, they are quite happy better than last time. the big question is 22% of the vote, where will they go now? those voters say they will vote for anyone but not marine le pen and the arch people not to give their vote to her. but we see the division between the far left and far right

and what young voters have been telling us is this man who 70 years old actually to connect with them, he connected on social media, instagram and twitter, his hologram was projected across the country and they feel nobody elstadt that. also they feel nobody elstadt that. also they feel nobody elstadt that. also they feel let down by president macron who came with this wave of expectation and he failed to deliver many believed. so even though jean—luc melenchon has come in third according to the projection, his role could still be pivotal in deciding who actually ones the final vote on the 24th of april because he could still give his support away. he has refused to do that away —— so far but he could sway a lot of his waters. picket line their support for either president macron or marine le pen. —— they could put

their support. marine le pen. -- they could put their support-— marine le pen. -- they could put their support. she said that some supporters _ their support. she said that some supporters might _ their support. she said that some supporters might not _ their support. she said that some supporters might not vote - their support. she said that some supporters might not vote at - their support. she said that some supporters might not vote at all, | their support. she said that some i supporters might not vote at all, in other words without entering anything at all but she said none would vote for marine le pen. i do not know who you are speaking to but there was some indication a few days ago some might well do that because of their visceral dislike for emmanuel macron. absolutely, very few people we spoke to today said they would shift from the far left to the far right but that has a concern and some analysts believe such a discontent with president macron's performance, talking about ukraine on the world stage, initially people were rallying around but then they thinking about that price of fuel or food and in that sense they

connected with le pen or melenchon who seem to be in touch with these real concerns and now for them to bend all the way to the other side of the spectrum would we an indictment about how they feel about president macron's performance. it's all to play for, 20.2% is much higher than the latest polls had projected. the final results, we will have to wait for another 12 hours to see whether these predictions are accurate. for now, thank ou predictions are accurate. for now, thank you very _ predictions are accurate. for now, thank you very much _ predictions are accurate. for now, thank you very much indeed. - predictions are accurate. for now, thank you very much indeed. if. predictions are accurate. for now, | thank you very much indeed. if you arejustjoining us here for this bbc�*s special in paris, voting has finished and we have the first indications of how the candidates have performed. the exit polls are out. and according to france television, the national broadcaster, the incumbent president, emmanuel macron, is projected to get 28.1 per cent

of the first round vote. that is better than some of his supporters had feared. they wondered if his main rival, the far right�*s marine le pen, who got 23.3%, might havejust pipped him. and yannickjadot from the greens, who wants france to ditch its nuclear power within 20 years, is predicted to gain 4.4 per cent. that means he would lose his deposit, even though climate change is one of the big issues in this election. veteran left—wing campaigner and macron critic, jean—luc melenchon, gets 20.1 per cent of the votes. that is a real increase on what he was predicted to get. conservative candidate for les republicains, valerie pecresse, is onjust 5.0 per cent. and 7.2 per cent of votes are projected to have gone to electoral novice and hardline nationalist, eric zemmour.

iam hearing i am hearing that marine le pen has just gone to the podium and is speaking now. let's listen. translation:— speaking now. let's listen. translation: ., , speaking now. let's listen. translation: ., ., translation: has given me the honour of auali in: translation: has given me the honour of qualifying in — translation: has given me the honour of qualifying in the _ translation: has given me the honour of qualifying in the second _ translation: has given me the honour of qualifying in the second round - of qualifying in the second round against the outgoing president. it gives me the right to say to all those french who have voted for me, i am eternally grateful and bear the responsibility. i see hope that our country can come back into balance. the french had to clear between two opposite divisions for france, justice and disorder courtesy of macron or they can bring together a socialjustice macron or they can bring together a social justice and macron or they can bring together a socialjustice and protection, the nation of the people. those who

didn't vote for macron believe in our division of france i want to congratulate all those that i have stayed loyal and respectful of others so that we can create a sovereign france and i believe this can happen on the 21st of april. i have decided in this campaign to be free of partisan politics and to support all french and talk directly to you. i continue to do that without excluding anyone, so i will be the president of all french if i am given that honour. what will happen on the 24th of april will not just be a circumstantial vote but will be one reflecting society and

civilisation. your votes will elevate our french culture, our language, ourway elevate our french culture, our language, our way of life. republican laws and values first of all. equality between men and women, separation of state and church. we want to give people power in terms of their spending power and living conditions. look after the most vulnerable, guaranteed health rights, to retire in health so the political decisions, it is down to you for the next five years. immigration, energy, europe,

military, diplomatic, my engagement and commitment to my values in these areas, i will not give that up, i want to believe in the power we can bring to our country to guarantee sovereignty, to allow the french to decide for themselves and i will control immigration and established security for all. i will guarantee the respect of all of you and particularly the simple citizens who are often forgotten, everyday people. i will not deny the challenges we have but i have solutions, balanced with budgets and it is the same serious approach that i want to bring together our country, fractured, ripped apart, social fractures,

country, fractured, ripped apart, socialfractures, territorial, medicaljustice. i will put france backin medicaljustice. i will put france back in order in five years so that it takes an eminent position on the global stage. this is required. i have big ambitions for the country, a democratic ambition. the citizens of�* democratic initiative to allow all people to express themselves. an economic ambition, and ecological ambition. an ambition and a vision... economic and ecological, which will return prosperity, which will be based on local politics,

patriotism and also to create jobs. i will rehabilitate the value of work. this is a social ambition that will guarantee, education, enable spending power and a proper health system, and decent living residences for all people, to ensure a quality, recognition of merit and also to remind people of the joy of family life and also each person to do well. to reinforce the state to support people, a protecting state, guaranteeing the liberty of all. a state that is in service of the nation. my ambition is to unite the

french around this great french and popular project. this call is only young, links them with next generations, federalised power, makes us invincible, to make france a country of prosperity. i ask all of whether you are left or right, whatever your beliefs, whatever your origins, to come together to this great national project with enthusiasm and conviction. we will create this victory. to create a new france, so much needed, to bring our country up to date. long live france, long live the republic. marine le pen, the first candidate to make that speech. jean—luc

melenchon is about to speak in a minute as well. hope, says marine le pen, i will be the president of all french people if i am given that honour. listening to that with me on the balcony are and helene daouphars. nacira, she talked about this inclusive france but a choice of two francis, the france articulated by emmanuel macron and her france. i articulated by emmanuel macron and her france. ., , , her france. i would say this is consistent _ her france. i would say this is consistent with _ her france. i would say this is consistent with the _ her france. i would say this is consistent with the fact - her france. i would say this is consistent with the fact she i her france. i would say this is - consistent with the fact she wants to appear mainstream more and more about it is very unlikely that she could ever achieve such a position or such a stance if she were to be elected. ~ , ., i. ., or such a stance if she were to be elected. ~ , ., ., ,, elected. why do you say that? she came second _ elected. why do you say that? she came second in _ elected. why do you say that? she came second in a _ elected. why do you say that? she came second in a much _ elected. why do you say that? she came second in a much tighter - elected. why do you say that? she | came second in a much tighter race than in 2017. it’s came second in a much tighter race than in 2017-— than in 2017. it's not tighter, she only gained _ than in 2017. it's not tighter, she only gained one _ than in 2017. it's not tighter, she only gained one point _ than in 2017. it's not tighter, she only gained one point and - only gained one point and interestingly because macron has

gained four points this time, so what is interesting is that she tries to appear as someone who would be a real contestant with macron but she still has a long way to go because her programme, and this will because her programme, and this will be discussed in the forthcoming two weeks, is authoritarian and she does not have the means to fund and to have the budget, the government budget for her plan about social justice or social rights. this is a complete nightmare because she doesn't raise the taxes so there is no way she could have the money to really deliver for the french people what she is speaking about. jean-luc melenchon did _ what she is speaking about. jean-luc melenchon did much _ what she is speaking about. jean-luc melenchon did much better— what she is speaking about. jean-luc melenchon did much better this - what she is speaking about. jean-luc| melenchon did much better this time, he is now speaking, let's listen. translation:— translation: insulted but it is still there- _ translation: insulted but it is still there. and _ translation: insulted but it is still there. and for _ translation: insulted but it is still there. and for each - translation: insulted but it is still there. and for each stage l

translation: insulted but it is still there. and for each stage it is still there, it endures. if you want to preserve it, to protect it as you have just done to now, this morning it was lovely in marseille, the weather. i watched the sea, the son's raised dancing. this morning while i was preparing to enter into this event... —— the sun's raise dancing. i was hearing from all the overseas territories. right from the

first round, they wanted me as their president and i saw in their decision what it signified. the state in which our country and the people at all points of france, here and abroad, a sense of exasperation, of urgency, the climate, social justice, political urgency. because the screen you see with the results, as it had been, does not reflect generally what people want butjust the institutions of the fifth republic and its strange system which makes you ask, make a

choice... which makes you ask, make a choice- - -_ which makes you ask, make a choice... ., , choice... that is where we will leave jean-luc _ choice... that is where we will leave jean-luc melenchon - choice... that is where we will leave jean-luc melenchon on | choice... that is where we will i leave jean-luc melenchon on 23 choice... that is where we will - leave jean-luc melenchon on 23 -- leavejean—luc melenchon on 23 —— 20.3%, that projection for the first round. i'm joined now by alexandre lechenet, journalist at nsppolls. he will be one of the kingmakers. where is his boat going? that he will be one of the kingmakers. where is his boat going?- where is his boat going? that is a crash for tonight _ where is his boat going? that is a crash for tonight and _ where is his boat going? that is a crash for tonight and the - where is his boat going? that is a crash for tonight and the weeks i where is his boat going? that is a| crash for tonight and the weeks to come because when you look at the last poll most of his supporters don't want to choose between marine le pen or emmanuel macron, they want to abstain, that might change in the coming weeks but when you look at them, one in four supporters of jean—luc melenchon site if they were going to vote for marine le pen, one in five for emmanel macron, sorry, one in three, and half of the voters

said they didn't want to choose, so that will be the question for the two coming weeks. i5 that will be the question for the two coming weeks.— that will be the question for the two coming weeks. is this the most difficult part — two coming weeks. is this the most difficult part for _ two coming weeks. is this the most difficult part for marine _ two coming weeks. is this the most difficult part for marine le - two coming weeks. is this the most difficult part for marine le pen - difficult part for marine le pen now? we remember in 2017 she entered debates with emmanuel macron and was pulverised by him. what i she learnt in the intervening five years? can she defend herself on her economic programme now quarter she is not advocating for brexit or leaving europe now,. advocating for brexit or leaving europe now"— advocating for brexit or leaving europe now,. advocating for brexit or leaving euroe now,. ,, , . ., europe now,. she is much softer and i think she europe now,. she is much softer and i think she can _ europe now,. she is much softer and i think she can thank— europe now,. she is much softer and i think she can thank eric— europe now,. she is much softer and i think she can thank eric zemmour l i think she can thank eric zemmour who took a lot of the anti—immigrant programme and she had the opportunity to talk about rising prices and to look very much caring for people but she still has the

same programme with anti—immigrant and in private she staged it again so she wants to rally against macron but it will be a hard task. abs, but it will be a hard task. a million more voters this time than 2017, she appears likejean—luc melenchon to have taken a lot of the younger vote. melenchon to have taken a lot of the youngervote. is melenchon to have taken a lot of the younger vote. is that because of those populist policies in her manifesto no income tax under the age of 30, or is it more than that? i haven't looked at the recent polls but we should watch the young and see if they did turn out to vote. sorry, the young people, after that they vote for marine le pen or

jean—luc melenchon. i don't know why they are more keen to vote for them, maybejean—luc they are more keen to vote for them, maybe jean—luc melenchon they are more keen to vote for them, maybejean—luc melenchon has strong supporters, a lot of communication online and there is a lot of talk about climate that you should vote for him instead of any other left candidate and that could have convinced them, and eric zemmour, i think you talk to retired people mostly and marine le pen grabs other voters who were against macron from the right or from the far right. thank you very much. let's come back to our guests, on the increasingly chilly balcony here in paris overlooking the arc de triomphe. nacira guenif, is this the most

difficult time for marine le pen? are we going to see a rerun of 2017, for all his critics emmanuel macron is a polyp statesman, someone who has at grasp of economic matters on a global stage, how difficult will it be for the national rally? it will be difficult because she might not gain of the votes she is expecting, especially if you think of valerie pecresse who was calling for the vote for macron, so because of that she might not be in a better position, she will gain the votes of zemmour which means she will appear as who she is which is anti—immigrant, which means she wants to run a racist state, a state that would have laws against nonnationals on the french

territory, which would mean that what she calls social rights would not be accomplished, will not be implemented, so this is when the reality of her programme is going to appear in full light, especially when you think that macron was clever enough to days ago to say her programme was racist and authoritarian, so he has read all the polls and the research on that, and that's clever enough for him to say that so that he has an advance in the conversation now.— in the conversation now. helene, what do you _ in the conversation now. helene, what do you think, _ in the conversation now. helene, what do you think, and _ in the conversation now. helene, what do you think, and explain i in the conversation now. helene, | what do you think, and explain for our viewers, what do you think, and explain for ourviewers, is what do you think, and explain for our viewers, is she closer this time than 2017 and if so by how much? bi; than 2017 and if so by how much? by now we are all feeling a sense that we had _ now we are all feeling a sense that we had this— now we are all feeling a sense that we had this excitement or will she ret we had this excitement or will she get nearty— we had this excitement or will she get nearly the same level as him and in the _ get nearly the same level as him and in the end _ get nearly the same level as him and in the end he has done better than we thought, he is gaining... better

than 2017? — we thought, he is gaining... better than 2017? for— we thought, he is gaining... better than 2017? for more _ we thought, he is gaining... better than 2017? for more points, - we thought, he is gaining... better. than 2017? for more points, macron is doinu than 2017? for more points, macron is doing well— than 2017? for more points, macron is doing well and _ than 2017? for more points, macron is doing well and he _ than 2017? for more points, macron is doing well and he has _ than 2017? for more points, macron is doing well and he has probably i is doing well and he has probably gained _ is doing well and he has probably gained a — is doing well and he has probably gained a lot of boats on the right and we _ gained a lot of boats on the right and we are — gained a lot of boats on the right and we are seeing we don't have the traditional— and we are seeing we don't have the traditional left any more or the traditional left any more or the traditional rite and instead we have three _ traditional rite and instead we have three blocks, the macron centre—right because he seduced a lot of— centre—right because he seduced a lot of right—wing voters, we have the extreme right and melenchon was extreme left but becomes the left. ~ , ,., ~' was extreme left but becomes the left. ~ , ., was extreme left but becomes the left. ~ ., ., was extreme left but becomes the left. ~ , ., ., ., was extreme left but becomes the left. ~ ., ., ., , left. we spoke to one of his representatives _ left. we spoke to one of his representatives who - left. we spoke to one of his representatives who said i left. we spoke to one of his| representatives who said we left. we spoke to one of his - representatives who said we are not extreme, there are many more extreme. , extreme, there are many more extreme-— extreme, there are many more extreme. , , _, extreme, there are many more extreme. , , , , extreme. they become the left, yes. the left has — extreme. they become the left, yes. the left has disintegrated _ extreme. they become the left, yes. the left has disintegrated and - extreme. they become the left, yes. the left has disintegrated and is - extreme. they become the left, yes. the left has disintegrated and is in i the left has disintegrated and is in a way— the left has disintegrated and is in a way inside that macron party and also the _ a way inside that macron party and also the right, it's like a mix. that's— also the right, it's like a mix. that's fascinating, so macron who said he was a centrist and progressive, he has taken what he wants from both the republicans and

effectively emasculated them. he effectively emasculated them. h2 managed to destroy the socialist party in 2017, now he managed to destroy the republicans this year so he will gain on those but because of the policies he has done in the past five years, especially the ongoing neoliberal policies, he cannot gain any votes on the left any more, so he will make his best to gain all the votes on the right and become sort of the new chief of the republicans, which don't have a chief any more because of valerie pecresse last, so i think he will work on this part of his back from in order to work on this part of his back from in orderto gain work on this part of his back from in order to gain more votes to the right. in order to gain more votes to the riuht. ~ ., ., ., ., ., , right. will he have to do more to be more people _ right. will he have to do more to be more people friendly? _ right. will he have to do more to be more people friendly? he _ right. will he have to do more to be more people friendly? he is - right. will he have to do more to be more people friendly? he is a - right. will he have to do more to be| more people friendly? he is a bright man, he has put grants in for culture and the young but when it comes to the common touch, i don't

think many people would say he has that. �* ., , ., , ., that. i'm not sure that he needs to. look at that. i'm not sure that he needs to. look at the — that. i'm not sure that he needs to. look at the results, _ that. i'm not sure that he needs to. look at the results, he _ that. i'm not sure that he needs to. look at the results, he has - that. i'm not sure that he needs to. look at the results, he has only - look at the results, he has only campaigned for three weeks, he saw all the _ campaigned for three weeks, he saw all the way— campaigned for three weeks, he saw all the way through the campaign that he _ all the way through the campaign that he was leading and in the end he was _ that he was leading and in the end he was right, sol that he was leading and in the end he was right, so i think what's interesting now is its marine le penr _ interesting now is its marine le pen. let's— interesting now is its marine le pen, let's see what the zemmour voters _ pen, let's see what the zemmour voters will— pen, let's see what the zemmour voters will do.— voters will do. you mention eric zemmour— voters will do. you mention eric zemmour and — voters will do. you mention eric zemmour and we _ voters will do. you mention eric zemmour and we can _ voters will do. you mention eric zemmour and we can go - voters will do. you mention eric zemmour and we can go to - voters will do. you mention eric zemmour and we can go to him| zemmour and we can go to him speaking now, the furthest right. he is recommending to vote lapel. translation: thanks to you, i can make a promise _ translation: thanks to you, i can make a promise to _ translation: thanks to you, i can make a promise to you _ translation: thanks to you, i can make a promise to you that - translation: thanks to you, i can make a promise to you that i - translation: thanks to you, i can make a promise to you that i will. make a promise to you that i will continue to defend france and our ideas.

chanting translation: and i am certain we will succeed- _ translation: and i am certain we will succeed. i— translation: and i am certain we will succeed. i thank _ translation: and i am certain we will succeed. i thank you, - translation: and i am certain we will succeed. i thank you, france, | will succeed. i thank you, france, because i see each of your votes as the cry of a people and a nation who do not want today. —— want to die. the fact that you were ready to support a man who had no political base, i know that means my message was heard. it is a fundamental element that we must not forget in the days to come and the years to come. your vote will never be

forgotten again, whatever happens in the second round. everybody will understand that our ideas mean a lot more than our results today. i could not convince enough of our compatriots. history will tell us why we did not manage, whereas a majority of french share our concerns and hopes. perhaps the absence of campaign debates, the international situation and perhaps also simply because of me, my fault. chanting

translation: thank you. of course, i made mistakes. _ translation: thank you. of course, i made mistakes. i— translation: thank you. of course, i made mistakes. i take _ translation: thank you. of course, i made mistakes. i take full— made mistakes. i take full responsibility for them. made mistakes. i take full responsibility forthem. i made mistakes. i take full responsibility for them. i know many of my successes to my team but i do not owe any of my mistakes to them. but at the end of this campaign i know that i'm proud to note that i am still no longer a politician, i never lied to any of you to gain a point in the polls. i never compromised or betrayed my beliefs. in the days to come, you will hear

everybody explain to you what we did wrong. me, iwant everybody explain to you what we did wrong. me, i want to tell you what we succeeded in. to the millions of french, thanks to you, nothing will be the same as before. i ask you to remain dignified and strong, to keep yourfaith. you have been admirable during this campaign. your vote is a pioneer vote, a vote of the future, a vote of hope, because the truth that we told to france during this campaign will resound in the years to come. i want to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who helped me, all my team, my party

activists, i say a great big thank you. your energy, yourfervour, your generosity, your organisation impressed the whole of france. i still remember the last month, we werejust an idea last still remember the last month, we were just an idea last year, still remember the last month, we werejust an idea last year, we have held up the french political system, we have said clearly the terrible state of the french system. it was our duty. it was our duty to say this and stand up and be counted in regard of this and i did. one year

later, here we are finally, seeing this duel that we have already seen in 2017, so if politically, electorally, nothing changes, politically everything has changed because we are now on the scene. we have created a rupture in french political life and we have overtaken the old political parties and systems, and we did something that a politician has never done in 15 years, we have created the largest new gathering in france. new political organisation in france. at my side, the young... that political organisation in france. at my side, the young. . ._ political organisation in france. at my side, the young... that is where we will leave _ my side, the young... that is where we will leave eric _

my side, the young... that is where we will leave eric zemmour, - my side, the young... that is where we will leave eric zemmour, who i my side, the young... that is where l we will leave eric zemmour, who got 7.2%, hardline nationalist and it's presumed that he will give his vote to marine le pen. on the balcony with me still, nacira and helene. we heard from jean—luc melenchon who urged his supporters not to vote for marine le pen. he urged his supporters not to vote for marine le pen-— marine le pen. he is saying do not vote for marine _ marine le pen. he is saying do not vote for marine le _ marine le pen. he is saying do not vote for marine le pen _ marine le pen. he is saying do not vote for marine le pen but - marine le pen. he is saying do not vote for marine le pen but he - marine le pen. he is saying do not vote for marine le pen but he is i marine le pen. he is saying do not. vote for marine le pen but he is not saying clearly go and vote for emmanuel macron. emmanuel macron is his arch enemy, and i think most of the melenchon supporters would not vote for macron but obviously now they will have to make the decision or they abstain for the second round or they abstain for the second round or they abstain for the second round or they go and vote for someone they do not want to see elected, which is always the situation resort when

chirac was against lapel and then in 2017 when you had the beaver situation. we 2017 when you had the beaver situation. ~ ., 2017 when you had the beaver situation. ~ . , . ., ., situation. we are expecting to hear from emmanuel— situation. we are expecting to hear from emmanuel macron _ situation. we are expecting to hear from emmanuel macron in - situation. we are expecting to hear from emmanuel macron in a - situation. we are expecting to hear. from emmanuel macron in a moment. you are watching bbc news. i'm tim willcox live in paris. we have special coverage of the first round of the french presidential elections. in the past hour, exit polls have been published in france suggesting that emmanuel macron will face a run off against marine le pen in the second round of the presidential election. if that is confirmed by the actual results, it will be the same two candidates in the run—off as in the last presidential election in 2017. the incumbent president, emmanuel macron, is projected to get 28.1 per cent of the first round vote.

the poll puts his main rival, the far—right�*s