PARIS For the first time in 40 years, the former centre right president Mr Valery Giscard d'Estaing failed to secure election in the first round of the two tier vote yesterday.
Elected with more than 50 per cent of the vote at every general election since 1956, Mr Giscard d'Estaing will this time have to stand in the runoff on June 1st to win reelection in his central French constituency.
He will be running against a Green candidate backed by the Socialists.