François Fillon wins French Republican primary

Over the weekend, the former Prime Minister under President Nicolas Sarkozy, François Fillon has won the right-wing Republican primary on Sunday. Last week, in the first primary, Mr. Fillon unexpectedly best both Mr. Sarkozy, who was trying to make a comeback in the political arena this year and former Prime Minister Alan Juppé. Last week, Mr. Fillon won 46 percent of all votes and this Sunday he extended the gains to secure a landslide victory against Mr. Juppé by winning more than 66 percent of all votes.

With the current socialist President Francois Hollande and left wing party’s ratings at the lowest, it is well expected that the final showoffs, which are scheduled for April and May will be between Mr. Fillon and right-wing nationalist leader Marine La Pen.

The financial markets, as well as the leaders of the European Union, would be counting on Mr. Fillon to beat the National Front leader Marine, who has promised to hold a referendum on the membership of France in the European Union. While views are right-wing moderate, she is anti-euro. A win by Ms. Pen could lead to breaking away of the Eurozone.