Potential French first lady holds American-style campaign

PARIS — In a break with French tradition, centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron has created an inseparable team with his wife Brigitte, who is fierily campaigning by his side, a move more often seen on American political stages than in France.

The 39-year-old independent maverick is increasingly considered the front runner in France’s two-round April 23-May 7 presidential election.

Polls suggest Macron could win over far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who is expected to score high after conservative candidate Francois Fillon lost ground amid corruption allegations.

Macron, a former French economy minister, is campaigning on pro-free market, pro-European views.

Brigitte Trogneux, 63, attends her husband’s rallies and public events and Macron doesn’t hide that she is also his close political adviser.