If Le Pen wins the election, it will be a disaster for science, France, and Europe

Marine Le Pen has pledged to reverse unpopular research-related measures. Her presidency, however, would have far-reaching consequences.

French President Emmanuel Macron will compete in the second round of a presidential election against far-right leader Marine Le Pen in less than a week. Macron won by a comfortable majority of 66 percent to Le Pen's 34 percent in the last election, which took place in 2017. However, surveys indicate a much closer race this time around.

After his then-newly established La République En Marche! (Republic Forward!) shattered France's two central right- and left-wing parties in the 2017 election, Macron has failed to deliver on his promise of a new sort of president.

Science is rarely a significant factor in French elections, and this one is no exception. However, Le Pen is appealing to academics by promising to overturn unpopular research reforms established by center-right president Nicolas Sarkozy between 2007 and 2009, which Macron has retained. By giving universities more autonomy, improving links between academics and businesses, and increasing financial support for research-intensive corporations, both presidents sought to align France's universities, research, and funding systems more closely with the United States and the United Kingdom.

Sarkozy altered the law to give funders and university administrations more discretion. His government also gave tax advantages to companies who invest in research and development. On the other hand, these measures are unpopular among many researchers, and Le Pen's promise to rescind them may entice academics who otherwise would not vote for her, according to professors who study France's research system.