In seven months from now, people across France will be heading to the polls to vote in the Presidential elections, which will determine whether President Emmanuel Macron becomes the country's third consecutive one-term head of state, or whether he will manage what his two predecessors failed to achieve and win a second term.

It has been an eventful few days in French politics. This was the scene in Paris during the weekend. For the ninth week in a row thousands took to the streets across France to protest against the coronavirus health pass which they say discriminates against the unvaccinated. 

And another weekend headline: the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo has thrown her hat into the ring for next year's election. She says she will seek the Socialist Party's nomination. She becomes one of the most instantly recognisable contenders in the field.

President Macron has not yet officially declared his bid for re-election but the National Rally's Marine Le Pen has. She officially launched her campaign on Sunday. 

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