Tension grows in French government regarding presidential candidacy choices

The tension within the French cabinet grew a notch on Monday after a controversial statement by Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, announcing he was ready to present his candidacy to the Elisee even if current President, François Hollande, decides to opt for re-election.


Cabinet's spokesperson, Stéphane Le Foll, who is close to Hollande, tried to deactivate this scenario by discarding a Primary duel between the president and prime minister.

In a statement made on "Europe 1" radio, Le Foll said he met with Hollande on Sunday night and that he dismissed any forthcoming changes in the executive's leadership.

Therefore, the government's spokesperson denied rumors published in French media speaking of Vall's destitution, after the prime minister left the door open to his possible candidacy during the Left's primaries.

"There will be no primaries between the president and the prime minister," Le Foll said.

The head of the French cabinet said in an interview given to Le Journal du Dimanche that he had considered presenting himself to the Primaries to avoid a Left-wing defeat during the April-May 2017 French Presidential elections.
 EFE
28/11/16