Le Pen vs. Macron: A Guide To France’s Presidential Runoff Vote

This weekend, French voters will return to the polls for the second round of voting in the country's presidential election.

The election is being watched closely around the world for more reasons than one. Marine Le Pen, perhaps the most visible figure on the European far right, is one of two contenders for the top French political spot, but her rival, centrist Emmanuel Macron, also represents a significant

break from the past.

Macron of the En Marche (Onward) movement: In the face of what initially seemed to be a polarized political landscape, Macron — a former investment banker who was educated at elite schools and became a Socialist economy minister — has managed to become the voice of "radical centrism." The 39-year-old is hoping to become the youngest president in French history, and he aims to do so without the backing of a major party. Voters seem to have been enticed by his moderate rhetoric and plans to lower taxes and expand health care, but critics argue that his policies may fail to entice embittered voters to the polls.

Le Pen of the National Front: A high-profile figure in the race internationally, Le Pen is expected to lead the party her father founded in 1972 to one of its best election results. Le Pen, 48, has struggled to move the National Front past its far-right core, but she has seen new support from young voters and female voters. Her policies include pulling out of the euro currency and major restrictions on immigration and free movement across borders.

The polls show Macron as a clear favorite over Le Pen, with a lead of as much as 20 percent. It's worth noting that the polls were remarkably accurate in the first round of voting. That bodes well for Macron in the second round, which is generally easier to estimate.............