French presidential race hots up

France’s former Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron has launched his presidential bid just days before the conservative Les Républicains hold their primaries. Voters go to the polls next April and May

Alain Juppé, 71
Former prime minister 
Les Républicains Current front-runner in polls says French identity is grounded in respect for religious and ethnic diversity

Nicolas Sarkozy, 61
Former president Les Républicains Proposes detention of thousands of
people who are on intelligence watch lists but have never been charged

François Fillon, 62
Former prime minister Les Républicains Only outspoken defender of
economic liberalism among party’s seven candidates

Four other Les Républicains candidates: Bruno Le Maire (above), Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, Jean-Frédéric Poisson and Jean-François
Copé

François Hollande, 62 President of France Socialist Party Has not yet
confirmed whether he will stand for re-election

Manuel Valls, 54 Prime Minister Socialist Party Supported attempts
from right-wing mayors to ban head-to-foot “burkini” swimsuits

Marine Le Pen, 48 Front National Anti-immigrant message – no place for multiculturalism under Le Pen presidency

Emmanuel Macron, 38 En Marche! Former investment banker has pledged to break apart France’s political system

Sources: Politico, Wall Street Journal 

Pictures: Getty Images / AFP