French right-winger Valerie Pecresse was a rank outsider in the race for the presidency just a month ago, but with under 100 days to the election she is seen as the best-placed challenger to Emmanuel Macron.
Backed by her Republicans party which has deep roots nation-wide, the 54-year-old is bidding to be France’s first woman president with a slogan that promises “restored French pride”.
During a trip to the south on Thursday, the head of the greater Paris region made clear she planned to campaign on an unabashed right-wing platform of law and order.