French ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has been knocked out of a primary to
choose the presidential candidate of the centre-right Republican party.
Admitting defeat, Mr Sarkozy endorsed Francois Fillon, a moderate who
finished first in Sunday's first round, according to near-complete results.
Alain Juppe, who like Mr Fillon is an ex-prime minister, finished second.
They will face each other in a run-off next Sunday. The winner will
compete in next year's presidential election.
The winner of the Republican primary is likely to make the presidential
run-off, where he or she will probably face far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
With the governing socialists unpopular and divided, it seems unlikely
that any left-wing candidate will survive the first round in April.
Polls currently suggest that the centre-right candidate would win the
second round in May.
In his concession speech, Mr Sarkozy said: "I have no bitterness, I
have no sadness, and I wish the best for my country."
He told reporters he now supported Mr Fillon, whose reformist agenda he
said was close to his own.
Mr Fillon served as Mr Sarkozy's prime minister during his presidency
between 2007 and 2012.
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