Former Prime Minister Francois Fillon has declared victory in France's first-ever conservative presidential primary, beating a more moderate rival who had warned of encroaching populism.
Fillon enjoyed a surprise surge in popularity in recent weeks over longtime favorite Alain Juppe, also a former prime minister.
Fillon campaigned on promises of drastic free-market reforms, a hard line on immigration and Islam, support for traditional family values and friendlier ties with Russia's Vladimir Putin.
In a victory speech following the primary's runoff election Sunday, Fillon called for unity to defeat the far right and the discredited left.
Polls suggest the 62-year-old Fillon would have a high chance of winning the French presidency in the April-May election, and that his toughest challenge may come from far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
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