Another Toll of the Violent Unrest in France: The Political Center NYT - Top Stories By: Mark Landler 30 October 2026 at 14:00 Support for Édouard Philippe, the leading candidate from the centrist bloc, has eroded, while his far-right and far-left rivals benefit. © Sebastien Salom-Gomis/Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesÉdouard Philippe, the leading centrist candidate in France’s presidential race, has struggled in the polls since widespread protests broke out across the country last month.