Race to lead French conservatives
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Les Républicains, France’s conservative party, are to decide who will challenge President Emmanuel Macron in elections in April 2022
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Xavier Bertrand, 56
Former health minister under Nicolas Sarkozy, now head of industrial Hauts-de-France region. Polls show moderate right-winger is best- placed to unseat Macron
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Michel Barnier, 70
EU’s former Brexit negotiator. Betting that party loyalty will endear him to activists but lacklustre showing in TV debates may harm his chances
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Éric Ciotti, 56
MP from city of Nice. Law-and-order candidate echoes views of far-right pundit Eric Zemmour, who is pushing for tougher measures on immigration and French identity 
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Philippe Juvin, 57
Mayor of residential Paris suburb and head of emergency ward at top hospital. Gained prominence during Covid-19 crisis, pledges to revitalise public services
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Valérie Pécresse, 54
Head of Ile-de-France region that includes Paris. Presents herself as moderate yet effective politician who could pose genuine threat to Macron

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Sources: AFP, Politico Pictures: Getty Images

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