Fillon Wins France’s Conservative Presidential Primary

Fillon Wins France’s Conservative Presidential Primary
France's upcoming presidential primary election candidate of the right-wing party, Francois Fillon (C) leaves after casting his vote for the second round of the conservative primary election, in Paris, on Nov. 27, 2016. AP Photo/Thibault Camus
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PARIS—Francois Fillon won France’s first-ever conservative presidential primary Sunday after promising drastic free-market reforms and a crackdown on immigration and Islamic extremism, beating a more moderate rival who had warned of encroaching populism.

“President! President!” chanted the former prime minister’s supporters as he declared victory over Alain Juppe in a nationwide runoff election.

Polls suggest the 62-year-old Fillon, prime minister from 2007-2012 under ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy, would have a good chance of winning the French presidency in the April-May election.

Fillon campaigned on promises of slashing public spending, capping immigration, support for traditional family values and friendlier ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fillon enjoyed a surprise surge in popularity in recent weeks over longtime front-runner Juppe, who also previously served as the country’s prime minister.

In a sober victory speech, Fillon promised to defend “French values” and said France needs “a complete change of software.”

“There is in our country an immense need for respect and pride. There is also a call for the authority of the state, and exemplary behavior by those who lead it,” he said.

Fillon, whom Juppe had accused of running a divisive campaign that catered to the far right, struck a slightly more inclusive tone Sunday night.

Alain Juppe (L) shakes hands with Francois Fillon after the conservative presidential primary in Paris, on Nov. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Alain Juppe (L) shakes hands with Francois Fillon after the conservative presidential primary in Paris, on Nov. 27, 2016. AP Photo/Christophe Ena