Frances presidential candidates are beginning to ramp up their campaigns months before the election, but the race is already mired in scandal, rumors and uncertainty.

In the past week alone, former front-runner Francois Fillon apologized after corruption allegations, current favorite Emmanuel Macron dismissed rumors of a gay affair, and the far-rights Marine Le Pen praised U.S. President Donald Trump and vowed to restore Frances sovereignty.

The race reflects a volatile time in French politics, as traditionally powerful parties are taking a back seat to independent and right-wing populist candidates. Opinion polls published on Wednesday show the National Fronts Le Pen and Macron garnering the most support. A win by either would be the first French president from a non-establishment party.

Just weeks ago, Frances election outcome seemed far more certain. Conservative candidate Fillon had won the Republican party leadership race in late November, and appeared set to handily defeat Le Pen in a second-round runoff. But Fillons campaign has been severely hobbled by a corruption scandal , with newspapers reporting that he funneled more than $1 million in public funds to his wife and children for alleged fake jobs.

Fillon on Monday apologized for hiring his wife, but insisted she actually did work for her salary. He pressed his case again on Wednesday, writing in a newspaper column that he had nothing to hide.

Many French voters have taken the nepotism scandal as further reason to turn away from the countrys establishment politicians. Capitalizing on Fillons woes is 39-year-old independent candidate Emanuel Macron, who has seen a rapid rise in popularity since entering the race in November. On Monday, two polls showed Macron on track to make it to the second round of voting and go on to easily beat Le Pen.