Marine Le Pen vows French ‘renaissance’ as far right eyes seat of power

Orleans, France – Marine Le Pen took to the stage with a clear message: She would lead France’s “renaissance” as the country sank into crisis – and she would do so soon.The far-right figure’s words were met with cheers from thousands of supporters gathered in Orleans in central France on Sunday, as she launched her presidential campaign against a backdrop of mass demonstrations and widespread social and economic discontent.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3France’s far-right National Rally gains ground in Senate votelist 2 of 3French protest violence: A ‘Christmas present’ for Le Pen’s far right?list 3 of 3Deadly ‘racist’ attack in France: Are hate crimes rising in Europe?end of list“Marine présidente!” the crowd chanted, waving French flags beneath a sea of red and blue lights. Organisers said 8,500 supporters had gathered in a venue transformed into a fort for the event.Standing tall on stage in a pink blazer, her hair impeccably coiffed, Le Pen spoke with the confidence of a leader who believes the presidency is within reach.Riding high in the polls, with candidates from the right, left and centre trailing behind her, she presented the election as a historic opportun...