French politician Marine Le Pen, candidate of the National Rally in the 2022 presidential election, joined i24NEWS earlier this week to discuss a range of issues important to the Jewish community.
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Faced with the rise of Islamism in France, Le Pen defended herself as the one who is "likely to most effectively protect French people of the Jewish faith," who are victims of "increasingly numerous" antisemitic acts.
"I have been the victim of a form of caricature for decades. I want Jews to be able to stay in France," she said, praising her initiative as "solid, serious and applicable."
She also wanted to clarify the words of the party's acting president, Jordan Bardella, after his statements on kosher foods that caused a stir within the Jewish community of France.
Once elected, Le Pen indicated that ritual slaughter would be banned in France but not meat imports.
"It is a question of animal suffering... Of course, the importation of meat can be carried out to satisfy religious considerations," she said.
"There is no reason for the Jewish community to have any particular concerns," she said, deploring the "harsh" remarks likely to "raise fears" from the Paris Consistory on this topic.
Asked about the status of Jerusalem, Le Pen estimated that the holy city should be "under international protection" for "the symbolism" and the "powerful history."
Faithful to the position of the Quai d'Orsay for decades, Le Pen wished to remain "in the constancy of French diplomacy" and therefore does not plan to "deviate from the rule" by transferring the French embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Faced with a looming Iran nuclear deal between Iran and Western powers in Vienna, a crucial subject for the Jewish state, Le Pen said she wanted to move forward on the subject while pointing out that "Iran is still seeking to circumvent the limits concerning its nuclear program," and affirming that once president, she would demand "strict respect for them."
"I want Israel to be reassured about its security," she said.
While saying she was "sensitive" to Israel's struggle for its security, Le Pen pleaded for a Palestinian state with "secure borders" because, she said, this "sovereignty would imply responsibility for what is happening on its territory."
French President Emmanuel Macron was still the clear favorite in France's presidential race scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 10, yet a big unknown factor may prove decisive: an unprecedented proportion of people say they are unsure who to vote for or don't intend to vote at all, bringing a large dose of uncertainty to the election.
The pro-European centrist is still comfortably leading in the polls. His main challenger, Le Pen, has appeared on the rise in recent days. Both are in a good position to reach the presidential runoff on April 24, which would make them replay the 2017 election that Macron won handily.
There's "no certainty," Macron warned during his first big rally on Saturday near Paris.
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"Don't believe in polls or commentators who would sound definitive and tell you that ... the election is already done, that everything is going to be all right," he told his supporters. "From Brexit to so many elections, what seems unlikely can happen!"
Scenarios for this year's second-round vote show that Le Pen has significantly narrowed the gap with Macron compared to 2017 – when she lost with 34% support to his 66%.
Polls still place her behind Macron, but much closer, apparently showing the wisdom of her longstanding strategy to soften her rhetoric and image – allowing her to capture the anti-Macron vote as well as far-right support.
Many in Macron's camp fear that his supporters may not go to polling stations because they already think he will win, while those angry at his policies will make sure to vote.
In third position according to the polls is far-left figure Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who has increased his support but still is a distance behind Le Pen. Another conservative candidate, Eric Zemmour, and conservative contender Valérie Pécresse are among other key challengers. Sunday's first-round will qualify the two top candidates for the runoff.
Macron, who has dedicated most of his time recently to diplomatic talks trying to end the war in Ukraine, is seeking to boost his short campaign ahead of Sunday's vote, giving several interviews in the French media and putting campaign activities on his agenda almost every day.
"Friends, you got it: It's now time for mobilization. It's now time to fight," he told supporters Saturday.
Parts of this article were first published by i24NEWS.
