Any difference between Le Pen and Fillon? (France)

[John.CA]

I don't know much about French politics but as far as i can see they are remarkably similar right?

Both anti immigration or at least tough on it, both eurosceptic, both fair trade and finally anti-islam.

So am i wrong?

How the hell voters are gonna pick one from another

[Minato ku]

A lot of differences.
Fillon is not anti-EU, he is not anti-Euro. Fillon is much less harsh than Le Pen on immigration and Islam.
Fillon program is mainly based on economy, he not will do much about society. Do expect a better economy under Fillon but do not expect any significant change on society at last in the laws.
(Note that Le Pen economic program is very left wing)

A big difference between Fillon and Le Pen is that Fillon is pragmatic and he is not populist.

[svenM]

In economical terms LePen is way more left than Fillon and more EU-critical, Fillon is more "neoliberal", I don't like the term since it's often used polemic, but I know no better word.

Fillon might be too neoliberal for France which appears to have a strong socialist stance.

[pigeonhole]

Both are good each in his/her own way in my book.

[Brave New World]

Expext a dose of Thatcherism and cuts to some public services in order to balance budgets and a massive fight with the French Unions under Fillon (Thatcher smashed the Unions in Britain in the 1980's).

Fillon is right wing and although he does not oppose the EU like Thatcher he won't be that enthusastic over many parts of it, including current levels of non EU migrants and border controls will be an issue. So Fillon will push for change in the EU, rather than hold a vote to leave.

In terms of Le Pen expect a vote on France leaving the EU and an end to current immigration. Le Pen is actually a good leader and comes across well, however the National Front as a party has some very right wing elements bodering on fascism.