Unexpected Rivals in the Second Round

Jean-Luc Mélenchon is seen as the most likely rival to far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in the second round of next year's presidential elections, according to a recent poll.

• Jean-Luc Mélenchon is a candidate from the far-left party La France Insoumise (LFI).
• Poll indicates a deeply polarized electorate as Emmanuel Macron's term nears its end.
• Mélenchon could qualify for the second round in at least three out of five scenarios.
• Le Pen is expected to win decisively against Mélenchon in the second round.
• Poll results are bad news for centrist candidates struggling to reach voters.
• Macron's unpopularity has weakened the political center and economy, benefiting hardline parties.