Usage Note
leader is an anglicism widely used in French for the frontrunner in politics, business, or sports (le leader du parti — 'the party leader', le leader du classement — 'the top of the standings'). The Académie française prefers meneur or chef de file, but leader is ubiquitous in the press. The francized feminine leadeuse is sometimes seen in Quebec.
Examples
"Le leader du parti a pris la parole."
Natural Translation
The party leader took the floor.

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