# Jean-Marie Le Pen reaches presidential runoff (2002)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/2002-jean-marie-le-pen-reaches-presidential-runoff
Location: France

The far-right candidate’s second-place finish triggered mass demonstrations before Chirac’s reelection. Within the broader Fifth Republic period, The 1958 Constitution created a stronger presidency and a durable Fifth Republic. Decolonization, European integration, social change, economic shocks and recurring debates over identity, secularism and the role of the state have shaped contemporary France. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Jacques Chirac (President of the French Republic). Jean-Marie Le Pen reaches presidential runoff is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Jean-Marie Le Pen reaches presidential runoff is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Jacques Chirac](https://history-france.com/rulers/jacques-chirac)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Jean-Marie Le Pen reaches presidential runoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Jean-Marie+Le+Pen+reaches+presidential+runoff&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Jean-Marie Le Pen reaches presidential runoff](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Jean-Marie+Le+Pen+reaches+presidential+runoff)
- [Élysée — Institutions of the Fifth Republic](https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-institutions)
- [Élysée — Presidents of the Republic](https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-presidents-of-the-republic)