French Socialist Chief Calls for Primary Before 2017 Election

  • Hollande popularity slump puts his candidacy into question
  • Socialist head seeks primary for greens, socialists, allies
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The head of France’s Socialist Party said he favors a primary ballot ahead of the 2017 presidential vote, a move that would make Francois Hollandethe first sitting French president to face a contest before embarking on a bid for a second mandate.

Jean-Christophe Cambadelis said he’s open to a primary vote, calling on candidates from all the left-leaning parties, including the communists, the green party and Hollande’s own socialists, to participate.