VOA常速英语:法国大选：极右翼政党领导人、民粹主义者——勒庞发表演说参选总统

It’s a bitter morning.Hot chocolate and sweater weather, a good day to stay at home.But not when the presidential elections are just three months away and usual member other far-right National Front party.

This working class town once voted communist.Now it’s solidly center-right.Today, City Councilor Laurent Salles believes Suresnes is ready for his candidate: Marine Le Pen.“We have often been demonized, but look at the results of recent elections that show we are the leading party of France.”

And it’s true.The party’s popularity has grown steadily. It often comes out a head in polls although that usually doesn’t play out in the ballot box.If she is elected President, Le Pen wants to hold a referendum on leaving the European Union.She also wants to reestablish French borders, cut the number of law-makers, and intensify the fight against Islamic extremism.

“Our populists, those who want to defend the governments of, for and on behalf of the people.If that is the case, then I accept being called a populist.”

Some here say, they are thinking of voting for her.Some think many would not have admitted just a few years ago although they are still wavering.“I don’t know yet, I don’t know yet, I have to understand more their purposal and then I will decide later.”

The first round of elections is not until April,time for many more flyers and maybe a few surprises along the way.

Lisa Bryant, for VOA News, Suresnes, France.