France's former premier has positioned himself as the safe candidate ahead of the country's presidential elections. But a left-swinging ex-education minister called on voters to turn their backs on the "old regime."
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France's Socialist presidential candidates on Wednesday discussed their policy priorities in a final debate before a run-off vote to choose who will represent the left-of-center party in the elections.
Former Education Minister Benoit Hamon appeared to be more convincing in the televised debate, according to an Elabe poll conducted for French broadcaster BFM TV.
Some 60 percent of those polled found Hamon more convincing than his rival former Prime Minister Manuel Valls with 37 percent.
Valls, who came in second in the first round of the primaries, has attempted to position himself as the safe candidate juxtaposed to Hamon's leftist politics.
"There is a difference between dreams and illusions, and a (political) program's credibility. That's what interests me, and that's what the French are going to make their decisions over," Valls said during the debate.
Known for his pro-business stance and labor reform legislation, Valls has attempted to shake off President Francois Hollande's dismal approval ratings after serving in his cabinet.
'The old regime'
Meanwhile, Hamon urged voters to "turn its back on the old regime, at these solutions that didn't work yesterday and won't work in the future."
The leftist politician vowed to implement a basic monthly welfare payment of 750 euros ($805) for all French citizens, along with taxing robots, legalizing marijuana use and combating discrimination in the workplace.
Since the first round of the Socialist primaries, Hamon has gained the endorsement from third-placed Arnaud Montebourg after pulling 36 percent of the vote.
France's left voters are slated to pick between Hamon and Valls on Sunday in the second and definitive round of voting for the Socialist presidential candidate.
French election: The major players
France is choosing a new president this year. A first round vote on April 23 isn't expected to produce a clear winner, setting up a face-off between the top two contenders on May 7. DW takes a look at the major players.
Image: AP
Emmanuel Macron
Macron quit as economy minister in August and launched his independent presidential bid in November. The 39-year-old centrist formed his own political movement, En Marche (Forward), and is seen as a reformer. Despite having never held elected office, polls have predicted his win in the final round of voting in May. He's voiced admiration for German Chancellor Angela Merkel's refugee policy.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/S. Bozon
Marine Le Pen
The National Front leader has adopted a more moderate tone than her anti-Semitic father, party founder Jean-Marie Le Pen. But she still takes a hard line on immigration, saying children of irregular migrants should not have access to public education. She also wants France to withdraw from the eurozone and have a referendum on EU membership. It's predicted she'll advance to the second round.
Image: Reuters/P. Rossignol
Francois Fillon
A surprise winner of the right-wing Republicans primaries, the socially conservative Fillon is seen to represent the interests of France's Catholic middle class. An admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he supports a liberal economic policy. Though Penelopegate and other scandals have marred Fillon's campaign, he has professed no wrongdoing and vowed to fight on.
Image: Reuters/P. Wojazer
Benoit Hamon
In a runoff against former French PM Manuel Valls in the Socialist primary, Hamon was the more left-wing choice of the two politicians. The 49-year-old supports a universal basic income and wants to shorten the traditional work week. He has also spoken in support of increased investment in renewable energy. He faces an uphill battle as many socialist politicians have voiced support for Macron.
Image: Reuters/P. Wojazer
Jean-Luc Melenchon
The Left Party's candidate landed fourth in the 2012 presidential elections. Melenchon, a current European Parliament member, believes the bloc's economic liberalism has stifled France. He hopes to profit from the center-left's disarray, but may split votes with socialist Hamon. Supported by the French Communist party, Melenchon advocates a shorter work week and climate protection.