Two former French prime ministers, Alain Juppé and François Fillon, on Thursday clashed over multiculturalism and labour laws on live television, three days ahead of the country’s conservative presidential primary run-off, reports FRANCE 24.
The stakes were high as the two members of the main opposition Les Républicains party faced off in a final debate, with the winner of Sunday’s poll likely to become France’s next president, according to opinion polls.
While the two candidates largely agreed on cutting civil servant jobs and lowering taxes on French businesses, they presented contrasting visions of French society.
“When we go to somebody’s house, we don’t try to take power,” Fillon said, adding that he rejected the idea that France was or should become a multicultural society and that immigrants should “respect our cultural heritage”.
Juppé disagreed, arguing that France’s identity was largely based on its cultural diversity. “We come from different ancestors, we have different skin colours, and different religions, and that is our strength.”
Fillon won the first-round of the primary election on November 20, garnering 44 percent of votes cast. Juppé, touted as the frontrunner throughout the campaign, finished a far second with 29 percent support, nevertheless qualifying for the run-off.
Five other presidential hopefuls were eliminated following the results – including former president Nicolas Sarkozy, who endorsed Fillon in a concession speech.