Project syndicate

 In a nationwide vote to select local authorities (the so-called Conseiller General), the far-right National Front gained 11percent of the votes cast, but secured only 0.1 percent of the seats.

This discrepancy between the National Front's popular strength and its actual representation has been a permanent feature of French politics since Jean-Marie Le Pen established the party 40 years ago. But Le Pen was replaced in January by his no less charismatic daughter, Marine. And, with that change, the fate of the Front may be changing, too.