Francois Fillon wins conservative ticket for French election

In contrast to Mr Juppe’s optimistic vision, Mr Fillon had said that France is “on the verge of revolt” and that he wanted to reduce immigration “to a minimum”.

Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is also forecast to lose a referendum on constitutional reform on December 4, while Germany’s Angela Merkel might well face a hard fight for re-election next year amid a resurgence of far-right political platforms, notably the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

But where does this leave prospects for the left, and the far-right, on the road to the Elysee? This presidency has been pathetic. “It is time to end it and start moving forward as we have never done in 30 years”.

Victor of the right-wing primaries ahead of France’s 2017 presidential elections, Francois Fillon delivers a speech after the results of the second round of the centre-right primaries ahead of France’s 2017 presidential elections, at the primary’s high authority headquarters on November 27, 2016, in Paris.

He sent a message of “friendship, esteem and respect” to his closest rival, Alain Juppe.

“This past presidential term has been pathetic”, Fillon said in criticizing Hollande. Any registered voter was able to take part in the primary.

With 95% of ballots counted, Fillon had garnered 66.5% of the votes while Juppé trailed with 33.2%.

Several surveys forecast Fillon to win with around 60 per cent but pollsters were on edge, having been repeatedly wrongfooted lately. “We need a leader who is able to say no to unions and withstand boos and the storm”, said Thierry de Ravinel, a lieutenant colonel in the French army voting in Evry, south of Paris.

Image copyright AFP/Getty Images Image caption Watch your back: Will Manuel Valls (right) challenge Francois Hollande?

According to Mariani, who supported Fillon from the very beginning, the former prime minister is the only candidate who can unite and prepare the center-right opposition to face the National Front and the ruling Socialist party in the presidential race.

A former economy minister of Francois Hollande, this outspoken and telegenic former investment banker is advocating for pro-free market and a progressive approach to social issues.

All might have found themselves competing with Mr Juppe for votes had he won his party’s nomination.

Fillion Hopes to Sideline Le Pen, Macron Underlying Fillon’s nationalism is the hope that his message can blunt the momentum of the right-wing populist Marine Le Pen, leader of Front National.

The victor is expected to compete against National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who has enjoyed a surge in the polls, says The Independent, adding to “growing fears that the rise of global populism could see Ms Le Pen secure a surprise victory in the wake of the UK’s Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s U.S. election win”.