François Fillon wins French primary for conservative candidacy

Francois Fillon, the socially conservative former Prime Minister who plans to shrink the French state, is to be the conservative candidate in next year's French presidential election after his rival Alain Juppé admitted defeat.

Fillon, 62, gained support in the final days of the primary race after writing a book on the dangers of “Islamic totalitarianism” in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in France and defending a tough line on French national identity.

With 95% of ballots counted, Fillon had garnered 66.5% of the votes while Juppé trailed with 33.2%.

Fillon is likely to face a Socialist candidate and the far-right's Marine Le Pen in next April's election, however the Guardian reported that it will be difficult for Le Pen to win. Fillon is now the favourite to face her and win the presidency next year, it said.

In his victory speech, Fillon said the Socialist François Hollande’s presidency had been “pathetic”. France “wanted action” and had to be overhauled in a way that it “hasn’t been for 30 years”. He said France had a huge need for respect, pride and, overall, authority.

After a campaign in which he defended French national identity, he said people had voted for him because he represented “French values”. He said “I will defend those values and we will share them with everyone who, with their differences, loves France.”