Francois Fillon became a candidate for president of France

Former French Prime Minister Francois Fiion wins by a wide margin Alena Juppe in the second round of right-centric primaries and becomes a presidential candidate. According to TF1, according to the results of the vote counting on half of the voting sites, the Fionon gains 68.4 percent of the vote, Juppe - 31.6 percent.

According to preliminary data, from 4.2 to 4.6 million voters took part in the second round of open primaries of the Republicans, among whom about two -thirds are supporters of the right -centers. Voters paid 2 euros for participating in each round of primaries. According to the results of the first round, one of the favorites - ex -president Nicolas Sarkozy, left the presidential race. Fiion scored more than 44 percent in the first round, Juppe - 28.6 percent.

According to sociological surveys, the Fillon will with a high degree of probability will enter the second round of the presidential election, his rival will be the leader of the National Front Marine Le Pen. The first voting round will be held at the end of April.

Fiion put forward a radical right -capacity program of economic reforms, in matters of domestic policy he acts as a conservative. During the decisive debate, Fiion condemned the occupation of Crimea, but he considers it counter -productive economic sanctions against Russia and advocates close cooperation with Moscow in the Syrian issue. Fiion has a special relationship with Vladimir Putin since both were the heads of government. Fion’s office approved the sale of Mistral aircraft carriers to Russia - later this decision was canceled by President Francois Hollande. After the resignation, Fiion participated in the Valdai forum. He repeatedly publicly expressed respect and sympathy for Putin.