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French Socialists pick 2012 presidential candidate French Socialists pick 2012 presidential candidate
(about 11 hours later)
France's Socialist Party is holding the first round of a US-style primary contest to pick a strong candidate for the spring presidential election.France's Socialist Party is holding the first round of a US-style primary contest to pick a strong candidate for the spring presidential election.
For the first time, any eligible voter sharing leftist values can take part, and polling stations are open across the country.For the first time, any eligible voter sharing leftist values can take part, and polling stations are open across the country.
With the withdrawal of previous frontrunner Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the new favourite is Francois Hollande.With the withdrawal of previous frontrunner Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the new favourite is Francois Hollande.
Opinion polls suggest he would beat the incumbent, President Nicolas Sarkozy.Opinion polls suggest he would beat the incumbent, President Nicolas Sarkozy.
After the fallout of the Dominique Strauss-Kahn affair and the divisions and abject failure of three previous presidential elections, the Socialists head into their first primary this weekend, looking to unite behind one strong candidate.After the fallout of the Dominique Strauss-Kahn affair and the divisions and abject failure of three previous presidential elections, the Socialists head into their first primary this weekend, looking to unite behind one strong candidate.
Francois Hollande is 10 points ahead of his nearest rival, Martine Aubrey. It would be some upset if he were to lose. He is not the most charismatic of politicians, but perhaps "understated" is what the French are looking for after five years of the frenetic, sometimes agitated, performances of President Sarkozy. Francois Hollande is 10 points ahead of his nearest rival, Martine Aubry. It would be some upset if he were to lose. He is not the most charismatic of politicians, but perhaps "understated" is what the French are looking for after five years of the frenetic, sometimes agitated, performances of President Sarkozy.
The Socialists say Mr Sarkozy wants the middle classes to pick up the bill for the mistakes of his influential friends but there are question marks over their economic policies. At a time when the market is demanding cuts to the deficit, none of these six candidates have dared to talk about a spending squeeze. Mr Hollande is holding the line on debt reduction but he thinks the best way to achieve it is through growth, which may mean spending money he does not have.The Socialists say Mr Sarkozy wants the middle classes to pick up the bill for the mistakes of his influential friends but there are question marks over their economic policies. At a time when the market is demanding cuts to the deficit, none of these six candidates have dared to talk about a spending squeeze. Mr Hollande is holding the line on debt reduction but he thinks the best way to achieve it is through growth, which may mean spending money he does not have.
While polls suggest Mr Sarkozy is still deeply unpopular with the electorate, there are question marks over the Socialist Party's economic policies.While polls suggest Mr Sarkozy is still deeply unpopular with the electorate, there are question marks over the Socialist Party's economic policies.
Mr Hollande opposes spending cuts, saying the best way to reduce debt is through growth.Mr Hollande opposes spending cuts, saying the best way to reduce debt is through growth.
If none of the six candidates achieves 50% of the vote in Sunday's round, the top two will go into a run-off a week from now.If none of the six candidates achieves 50% of the vote in Sunday's round, the top two will go into a run-off a week from now.
Mr Hollande is standing against his former partner and mother of his children, Segolene Royal, as well as Ms Royal's long-time rival, Martine Aubry.Mr Hollande is standing against his former partner and mother of his children, Segolene Royal, as well as Ms Royal's long-time rival, Martine Aubry.
The other candidates are two representatives of the party's younger generation - Arnaud Montebourg and Manuel Valls - and a former minister, Jean-Michel Baylet.The other candidates are two representatives of the party's younger generation - Arnaud Montebourg and Manuel Valls - and a former minister, Jean-Michel Baylet.
During the campaign, they engaged in three live TV debates, which drew audiences of between 3.5 and 5 million people.During the campaign, they engaged in three live TV debates, which drew audiences of between 3.5 and 5 million people.
The novel system for choosing the party's candidate has been commended by Mr Sarkozy's own prime minister.The novel system for choosing the party's candidate has been commended by Mr Sarkozy's own prime minister.
Francois Fillon said it was a "modern process" which suited both "right and left".Francois Fillon said it was a "modern process" which suited both "right and left".
President Sarkozy is widely expected to run for re-election in April.President Sarkozy is widely expected to run for re-election in April.
Mr Strauss-Kahn, a former head of the IMF, was arrested in New York earlier this year on suspicion of attempted rape, a charge later dropped.Mr Strauss-Kahn, a former head of the IMF, was arrested in New York earlier this year on suspicion of attempted rape, a charge later dropped.