French far-left leader Melenchon seen reaching presidential runoff, poll shows

PARIS, Aug 24 (Reuters) - French ‌far-left leader ​Jean-Luc ​Melenchon is seen as the most likely rival to far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in ‌next year's presidential run-off, a Monday poll showed, underlining ⁠a deeply polarised electorate as Emmanuel Macron's presidency draws to a ‌close.

• Melenchon, the candidate ‌of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, is seen reaching a run-off in at least three of the five ​scenarios polled, while he tied for second place in a fourth scenario. Le Pen is seen beating ⁠him easily in a run-off.

• The poll makes sobering reading for France's centrist ​candidates who are struggling to reach an electorate that is increasingly polarised.

• As Macron's second and ​final term comes to an ‌end, the unpopular president leaves behind a hollowed-out political centre and weak economy, opening space ⁠for hardline parties, such as LFI and Le Pen's National Rally.

• "The risk of Mrs Le Pen and Mr Melenchon facing ⁠each other in the second round is real and serious," centrist candidate ​Edouard Philippe told reporters on Monday.

• Melenchon was seen winning around 16% to 17% in the first round, while Le Pen ‌would get 35% to 38% of votes. Le Pen would win 64% of the votes ‌against Melenchon in the run-off.

• Melenchon has already run ⁠three times for president in ‌2012, 2017 and ​2022 but has never managed to reach the second round.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Kate ‌Mayberry)

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