"My enemy is the decline of France," Fillon declared on Friday night, speaking to supporters in Paris at a final rally before the vote. Upset victory possibleMany French citizens view Sunday's Les Républicains primary contest as a proxy for next spring's presidential election. Yet after Britain's vote to leave the European Union and Donald Trump's shock triumph in the U.S. election, France's vote is shaping up to be another battle of strength between weakened mainstream parties and the rising force of insurgent populists. Asked if he could challenge Hollande in the Socialist party's primaries, Valls replied: "I will make my decision while examining my conscience." Previous French media reports have said Valls would consider a presidential bid if Hollande chose not to run.

Source: CBC News November 27, 2016 00:47 UTC