- PARIS: The two remaining contenders in the presidential primary race for France’s opposition Socialists are to face off in a televised debate ahead of Sunday’s runoff.
The party’s former head, Francois Hollande, and current head, Martine Aubry, came in first and second, respectively, in last Sunday’s first round.
Hollande scored 39 percent and Aubry 31 percent, while far-left legislator Arnaud Montebourg garnered 17 percent. Three other candidates, including the party’s unsuccessful 2007 presidential candidate Segolene Royal, split the remaining votes.
Montebourg is regarded as a possible kingmaker. He has said he might come out in favor of one candidate or the other following Wednesday’s 90-minute-long debate.
France’s two-round presidential race is taking place in April and May.
