Another Toll of the Violent Unrest in France: The Political Center NYT - World By: Mark Landler 30 October 2026 at 09:35 Support for Γdouard Philippe, the leading candidate from the centrist bloc, has eroded, while his far-right and far-left rivals benefit. Β© Sebastien Salom-Gomis/Agence France-Presse β Getty ImagesΓdouard Philippe, the leading centrist candidate in Franceβs presidential race, has struggled in the polls since widespread protests broke out across the country last month.