Conservatives vote in first nationwide presidential primary

French conservatives voted yesterday in a nationwide primary to choose their nominee for next year’s presidential election, following a campaign marked by concerns about the influx of migrants into Europe and the devastating series of jihadist attacks in France. After Britain’s shock Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential contest, the French […]

French conservatives voted yesterday in a nationwide primary to choose their nominee for next year’s presidential election, following a campaign marked by concerns about the influx of migrants into Europe and the devastating series of jihadist attacks in France.
After Britain’s shock Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential contest, the French presidential vote is shaping up to be another test between mainstream parties and rising populist forces.
Seven candidates competed in the first round of the primary with 61-year-old former president Nicolas Sarkozy and former prime ministers Francois Fillon, 62, and Alain Juppe, 71, leading the race.
A closely watched contender is the far right’s Marine Le Pen, whose criticism of immigration and Muslim practices resonates with many voters.
This is the first such primary organized by France’s conservatives. Previously, candidates were designated internally.