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EuroNews (29 January 2017)

• Socialists choose firebrand Hamon
• Turnout up on the first round
• Fillon, Le Pen ahead in presidential polls
• Hamon’s nomination could help Macron – analysts

France’s Socialist Party has chosen leftist firebrand Benoit Hamon as its candidate for the country’s upcoming presidential election.

The primary run-off pitted Hamon against the pro-business, ex prime minister Manuel Valls.

Hamon, a former education minister, was the favourite to win.

Among other things, he wants to establish a universal income of 600 euros a month for all adults.

Polls suggest that, after an unpopular five-year term in office under current President Francois Hollande, the Socialists do not have much chance of winning the presidential election in the spring.

Catherine Hardy