Turnout for the first round of polls last Sunday exceeded 80%.
President Nicolas Sarkozy challenged Hollande to two additional debates regarding the economy, international relations, and social issues before the second round of the polls on the 6th of May. The leading contender refused the proposal stating that the traditional single debate is more than enough.
Hollande is known for criticising Sarkozy’s economic performance, and has promised to increase revenues by raising taxes on big corporations as well as those who earn more than a million euro annually. He also stated his will to increase minimum wage and increase the education work force. Polls indicate that he has an advantage in taking the lead on the second round as well.
Should Hollande win the presidential race, he would be France’s first left-wing president since 1995.
