Free Republic

Deeply divided, the main opposition Socialists suffered a blow when centrist leader Francois Bayrou rejected negotiations on forming an alliance ahead of the second round of voting on Sunday. Segolene Royal, who lost to Sarkozy in last month's presidential election, had called Bayrou to try to tap into his voter base as the Socialists faced another potentially disastrous defeat in the elections. "I will not give supporters any guidance on how to vote. I will not enter into these kinds of mechanics," Bayrou, whose Democratic Movement picked up 7.6 percent of the national vote on Sunday, told RTL radio.

Socialist Segolene Royal held a courteous and lively televised debate on Saturday with defeated centrist Francois Bayrou to try to win the votes she needs to become France's next president. Royal sought to show she has much in common with Bayrou and send a message to the 6.8 million voters who backed him in the first round that they should now vote for her in the May 6 runoff against frontrunner Nicolas Sarkozy. The Socialist contender appeared relaxed and smiling as she arrived at a Paris hotel for the debate, shaking hands with Bayrou and posing for the cameras before...

Ségolène Royal, the Socialist challenger for the French presidency, will hold a televised debate with François Bayrou on Saturday in a desperate attempt to win over the supporters of the centrist UDF leader, who came third in last Sunday’s first round poll. BFM TV, an independent media group, promised to broadcast the meeting live this morning after Canal+ pulled out of the debate amid accusations that the television station had been lent on by supporters of Nicolas Sarkozy, the frontrunner from the centre-right UMP party. Ms Royal denounced the “media-financial system” behind Mr Sarkozy that she claimed had tried to...

Defeated centrist candidate Francois Bayrou refused to endorse either of France's presidential finalists Wednesday, leaving Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal to fight it out for the crucial votes of his seven million supporters.      Instead he launched a scathing attack on both candidates for the May 6 run-off, savaging Royal's socialist economic programme but reserving his strongest language for the right-winger Sarkozy, who he described as a danger to democracy.      "With his close links to the business world and media powers, his taste for intimidation and threat, Nicolas Sarkozy will concentrate powers as never before," said Bayrou, who took...

Socialist Segolene Royal on Tuesday offered French centrists talks on a political pact and possible cabinet posts, in a bid to win over moderate voters who hold the key to a May 6 presidential run-off. Royal told reporters she was prepared to draw "all the necessary conclusions" if she reached an understanding with Francois Bayrou, whose 6.8 million votes in Sunday's first round ballot have transformed him into a political power-broker. Right-winger Nicolas Sarkozy finished comfortably ahead of Royal on Sunday but both candidates need to win over the skeptical middle ground if they are to triumph. Bayrou has called...

Le Nouvel Observateur claims that the French internal information agency "Les Renseignements généraux" (RG) has carried out a 15,000 person survey ahead of next week's election, codenamed "Mercure". According to the secret report, Nicolas Sarkozy will finish with 25% of 26%, followed by Jean-Marie Le Pen and Francois Bayrou tied with 19%, and Socialist candidate Segolene Royal just slightly behind. The report has been officially denied by RG, stating that "Since July 15, 2004, we no longer have the right to conduct electoral forecasts." However, some close to the Interior Ministry told the Observateur that "They (RG) cannot do differently...

- Nicolas Sarkozy is holding on to the top position in the French presidential race, according to a tracking poll by Ipsos released by SFR and Le Point. 30 per cent of respondents would support the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) candidate in next month’s election. Ségolène Royal of the Socialist Party (PS) is second with 25.5 per cent, followed by Union for French Democracy (UDF) leader François Bayrou with 19 per cent, and Jean-Marie Le Pen of the National Front (FN) with 13.5 per cent. Support is lower for Revolutionary Communist League (LCR) member Olivier Besancenot, Marie-George Buffet...

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Nicolas Sarkozy remains the most popular candidate in the French presidential race, according to a poll by Louis-Harris released by RMC. 29 per cent of respondents would vote for the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) contender in next month?s ballot. S?gol?ne Royal of the Socialist Party (PS) is second with 26 per cent, followed by Union for French Democracy (UDF) leader Fran?ois Bayrou with 22 per cent, and Jean-Marie Le Pen of the National Front (FN) with 12.5 per cent. Support is lower for Revolutionary Communist League (LCR) member Olivier Besancenot, Marie-George Buffet of...

To become a candidate at least 500 signed forms are needed At least 11 candidates are set to run in the French presidential election.As the deadline for registration passed, anti-globalisation farmer Jose Bove said he was not sure if he had enough signatures to become the 12th. At least 500 signatures from elected officials are needed to run in the first round on 22 April. More than 20 politicians have been campaigning in the race. Centre-right leader Nicolas Sarkozy and Socialist leader Segolene Royal are frontrunners. A record 16 candidates were on the ballot in the last election, in...