François Fillon profile

Fillon, 62, was prime minister during Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency from 2007-12. Noted for defying street protests and championing rise in retirement age

Conservative Catholic who claims to stand for Christian family values. Opposed same-sex marriage and is against adoption of children by gay couples

Admirer of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, advocates pro-business reforms, including cutting 500,000 public sector jobs in next five years and scrapping
35-hour work week

Has published book on fight against radical Islam and wants
to strip French citizenship from those who embark on jihad. Calls for rapprochement with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Syria

Welsh-born wife, Penelope Clarke, five children. Lives in 12th- century chateau, loves driving classic cars at nearby Le Mans race track

Picture: Getty Images