Vote Socialist to beat far-right: PM

PRIME Minister François Fillon has broken ranks with President Nicolas Sarkozy, telling MPs of the governing UMP they should ask supporters to vote Socialist where they are competing against the Front National.

In the French electoral system, if a politician does not gain an absolute majority, a second round is held between the top two candidates from the first round.

Following last Sunday's election, the Front National is due to compete next weekend in 394 districts, against the Socialist Party in 204 seats and the UMP in 190.

The Socialist Party immediately called for a pact against the Front National, asking supporters to vote for the rival UMP where they stood against the FN.

The UMP has maintained an ambiguous position of “No to the Front National, No to an alliance” via President Sarkozy and the party leader, Jean-François Copé.
Health Minister Xavier Bertrand has even suggested that supporters faced with a choice between the Socialist Party and the Front National should cast a blank ballot.

"Where there is a competition between the Socialist Party and the Front National, we must first remember that our values are not those of the Front National," Fillon told MPs, Le Monde reports.

"We must call on our supporters to make the responsible decision in the running of local affairs. All this brings us to vote against the Front National," he added.

Fillon is the highest-ranking politician to break with the party line, but others have also expressed concern, including two ministers and the head of the Senate.

The UMP's stance has been severely criticised by the Socialist Party and some centre parties.

Photo: Francois Fillion - David Mendiboure-Matignon