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French Far-Right Party Getting New Name to Boost Appeal

by Associated Press

   PARIS --

   Far-right leader Marine Le Pen is announcing a name-change for her
   National Front party, founded by her father nearly a half-century ago.
   It is expected to become the National Rally in a bid to more broadly
   embrace French voters ahead of next year's European elections.

   The profile of Le Pen, a nationalist once at the center of the
   political limelight, has dimmed since she was trounced by pro-globalist
   Emmanuel Macron in presidential elections a year ago. She announced a
   refounding of the National Front at its March congress.

   Members were asked to vote by mail on the proposed new name with
   results announced Friday at a meeting of the party leadership.

   Le Pen hopes Italy's populist government, sworn in Friday, will boost
   her anti-immigration party's fortunes.