Far-right leader Marine Le Pen is announcing a name-change for her National Front party, founded by her father nearly a half-century ago. It is expected to become the National Rally in a bid to more broadly embrace French voters ahead of next year's European elections.

The profile of Le Pen, a nationalist once at the center of the political limelight, has dimmed since she was trounced by pro-globalist Emmanuel Macron in presidential elections a year ago. She announced a refounding of the National Front at its March congress.

Members were asked to vote by mail on the proposed new name with results announced Friday at a meeting of the party leadership.

Le Pen hopes Italy's populist government, sworn in Friday, will boost her anti-immigration party's fortunes.