French President Mr Jacques Chirac is appealing to left-wing voters to help him defeat Mr Jean-Marie Le Pen.
It is the first time Mr Chirac has called on his traditional opponents to vote for him in the presidential election run-off.
|
"Today, it is a question of defending the values of the French Republic," he said. "What I ask of this leftist voter is to follow his convictions and block the extreme-right. That is what is essential today. In a democracy, political action does not take place in the streets. It takes place in the ballot box".
With a few exceptions, leaders across the political spectrum have asked the French to cast a vote for Mr Chirac to ensure Mr Le Pen does not repeat the surprise of the April 21st first-round vote and win the election. Mr Chirac also calls on citizens to be "extremely responsible" during demonstrations against Mr Le Pen.
"Nothing would be worse in the current situation, and worse, notably, for the ideas the demonstrators want to defend, than excesses that lead to violence and confrontation," Mr Chirac said.
Five demonstrations are planned for May 1st and are expected to be bigger than the daily protests against Mr Le Pen's far right, anti-immigration policies.
Over 3,000 extra police officers will be on duty to try to ensure Le Pen's followers do not mix with the anti-Le Pen protesters.
PA