As French President Emmanuel Macron devoted his time to the war in Ukraine last month, Marine Le Pen was touring towns and villages, talking to blue collar voters about the cost of living crisis.
Purchasing power and the ability to buy goods is a top concern for French voters, especially with soaring energy and food inflation. Realizing that early on helped the 53-year-old nationalist leader broaden her appeal at a critical time and overtake far-right candidate Eric Zemmour, who in December presented her with a more immediate threat.