On April 24, France’s primary election candidates were announced with political newcomer Emanuel Macron of En Marche! and Marine Le Pen of the National Front leading the way, having 24 percent and 21.3 percent, respectively, of the primary votes.

With these candidates have come controversy due to the inexperience of Macron and the far right beliefs of Le Pen, so Middletown students react to the French election more split than the 2016 American presidential election which saw nominee Donald Trump elected.

Junior Mary Lagnese supported more for beliefs than experience with Macron. Le Pen has had followers who have ties with the white supremists and Neo-Nazis. “When choosing a leader, it is more important to choose someone with better morale ground, regardless of experience,” sophomore Preston Lindstrom agreed, saying Macron can pick up experience as he goes along.

Senior Lenny Grzeskiewicz sympathized to Le Pen, who many have called a Neo-Nazi herself. “Maybe she’s not one. Murderers might like me, but I’m not a murderer,” he said, adding nothing about Macron’s inexperience.

Freshmen Nico DeArcangelis and Katie Frushour both preferred Le Pen over her less-experienced counterpart because of her stances that are similar to President Trump’s. DeArcangelis wanted to see them go head to head in a debate. The last one was held on May 4, when Macron won.

Others were sorry for France with having only two candidates with controversial aspects to choose from. Emily Luckenbaugh called it a “lose-lose situation.” Meghan Roeder, a junior, agreed.

Cosimo Tauraso, another junior, had no opinions on what they said but saw it more as a reflection of society’s want for change. As faith in the government lessens, people turn to more outrageous candidates in the hopes it will usher in something different.

The election, which will announce the winner, is set for May 7.