French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin today endorsed the presidential bid of fellow conservative but long-time rival Nicolas Sarkozy.
Mr de Villepin, once considered a possible presidential contender, had held off on backing a candidate until Jacques Chirac formally advised the nation last night that he would not seek a third term as president.
"Action" and "experience" have "moulded" Mr Sarkozy, who is interior minister, and "today place him in a position allowing him to assume the presidency," Mr de Villepin said of the man who has long been considered the leading candidate in the two-round April and May elections.
Mr Sarkozy is now awaiting the endorsement of Mr Chirac ahead of presidential elections that start April 22nd.
The men, political conservatives, are from the same party but fell out years ago.
Mr Chirac's endorsement of Mr Sarkozy is widely expected despite their differences, especially now that Mr de Villepin - once seen as Mr Chirac's choice to succeed him - has formally backed the candidate.
AP