Q&A: French presidential elections

Last Modified: 20 Apr 2007
By: Channel 4 News

Find out about who's running, their politics, and how the elections work.

When are the French presidential elections?

The first round was held on Sunday 22 April. Since none of the candidates won 50 per cent or more of the vote, there will be a second round - or run-off - between the two leading candidates, Nicolas Sarkozy and Ségolène Royal, on 6 May.

Why is this election so important?

France is a founder member of the EU and home to one fifth of Europe's biggest companies. But the country has the slowest-growing large economy in Europe and is suffering from what the French call le déclinisme - a general decline in living standards, relatively high unemployment, a rise in public debt, and social unrest in poor urban areas.

Whoever wins the election will need to address these issues and consider an overhaul of the tax system, spending, labour markets and public services.

How many candidates are there?

There were 12 candidates in the first round, but only three stood a realistic chance of winning: Ségolène Royal, Nicolas Sarkozy and François Bayrou.

What are the positions of the main contenders?

Ségolène Royal: left - French Socialist Party Royal has been called "a breath of fresh air" for many reasons, not least that she is a woman. Her policies include a promise to boost the minimum wage and the state pension, and to reduce France's dependence on nuclear power. She has also promised to create 500,000 jobs for young workers, and wants to reward companies that invest in France.

These policies will be paid for not by a hike in taxes but by an anticipated 2.5% growth rate over the next five years.

Nicolas Sarkozy: centre-right - the ruling UMP party Sarkozy began the election race as French interior minister. He has since resigned under pressure from opponents, who claimed this gave him an unfair advantage. If he wins, the 52-year-old Sarkozy will become the youngest president since Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.

Sarkozy is promising to cut taxes, cut illegal immigration, and promote nuclear power as a clean energy source. He says he will curb union powers and toughen sentencing for repeat offenders.

Who is leading in the opinion polls?

Nicolas Sarkozy won the first round on 22 April, securing 31.1 per cent of the vote. Ségolène Royal took 25.8 per cent.

Four polls taken after first-round voting had closed indicate that Sarkozy will win the run-off.

What are the campaign rules?

Campaigns are closely regulated: media broadcast time is limited to 45 minutes per candidate; opinion polls are forbidden after two days before elections; and candidates are limited to a budget of 16.16m euros in the first round and 21.5m euros in the run-off.

How do the elections work?

The president is elected for a five-year term by French citizens under a two-round system. This is similar to Britain's first past the post arrangement, but there are two rounds

What power will the president have once elected?

Unlike countries where the prime minister holds power and the president is a figurehead, in France it is the president who has real power. He or she chooses the prime minister, can dissolve parliament and pardon convicted criminals, and is commander-in-chief of the armed forces.