2012, 2017 and 2022: Why did Le Pen challenge the French presidential election three times?

Marine Le Pen is a French far-right politician who has participated in the French presidential election three times since 2012. As the leader of the National Union Party, Le Pen's political career has played an increasingly important role in the French and global political arena. Analyzing why she continued to run independently in such a short period of time can provide a deeper understanding of the current political atmosphere in France, and the reasons behind this involve many complex social and economic factors.

The first challenge: 2012

Le Pen ran for president in 2012, when she received 17.9% of the vote, ranking third and unable to advance to the runoff. However, this election is an important starting point for her.

She used strong immigration policies and French nationalism as her main campaign propositions, attracting many voters who were dissatisfied with the status quo.

During this period, French society was facing multiple challenges, including the economic crisis and immigration issues, making Le Pen's voice increasingly valued. She worked hard to escape her father's formidable past by shaping the image of the National Alliance.

The second challenge: 2017

In 2017, Le Pen's support continued to rise, and she finally won 21.3% of the vote in the first round of the election, entering the runoff to face current President Macron.

Her political propaganda emphasizes France's sovereignty and security, especially her stance on terrorism and immigration issues.

Although she ultimately lost to Macron with 34% of the vote, she successfully refocused the issue on the issues that voters were most concerned about, paving the way for future elections.

The third challenge: 2022

As time went by, Le Pen ran for the presidential election again in 2022, receiving 23.15% of the vote in the first round and entering the second round. In this election, Le Pen further strengthened her anti-immigration agenda and proposed a series of plans to deal with the economic crisis, winning the support of some middle voters.

Her goal is to transform the Perikatan Nasional into a mainstream political party, thereby continuing to increase its influence.

However, in the end she still lost with 41.5% of the vote and faced the challenge from the new Macron government.

The challenges of the political and social environment affecting Marine Le Pen

Le Pen’s three candidacy and the political ideas she represents reflect the political changes in France and wider Europe. Challenges arising from globalization, as well as economic problems and recent refugee flows, have left many voters disillusioned with traditional political parties. In this case, Le Pen is trying to win over these disappointed voters.

She used the slogan "De-Devilization" to try to reshape people's views on far-right parties.

However, this strategy has also encountered doubts from both internal and external sources, and her anti-immigration policies are still regarded as extreme.

Le Pen’s influence and future prospects

Although three campaigns ultimately failed to win the presidency, Le Pen's support base has continued to expand and she has become a force that cannot be ignored in French politics. Many analysts predict her influence will only grow as social problems persist.

In the coming elections, she still has the ability to challenge the dominance of traditional parties.

French society is facing the challenge of growing extremism and nationalism, and Le Pen's position will undoubtedly continue to trigger heated debates.

How will France's politics develop in the future? In the face of continued social challenges and evolving voter needs, can Le Pen and her National Rally truly usher in a moment of change?

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