On 7 April 2016, the current economy minister of France, Emmanuel Macron, launched the new party "En Marche" (Forward). The party is to take part in parliamentary elections next year, and some speculate that the ambitious and popular minister would like to run for the office of President as well. The move is a setback to the Socialist Party, that is losing popularity, especially as current President Francois Hollande is the least popular French President in history.

According to recent polls, Emmanuel Macron, if he would be a candidate, would do better than Hollande and other socialist candidates. While not so popular amongst left-wing voters, he could potentially attract centrist and right-wing voters. It remains to be seen however, how serious his new party is, and how the Socialist Party would deal with it.

The decision by Macron takes place in an uncertain political context in France, as it is unclear whether the unpopular President Hollande will even consider to run for President again. According to polls, he would be beaten by any other candidate, even by the head of the nationalist Front National, Marine Le Pen.

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For an overview of recent polls on the Presidential elections of 2017, click here.