Iconic French farmer and anti-globalisation activist Jose Bove today announced he is running for president of France, a move that could further split the country's divided left.
Jose Bove
Mr Bove, who gained fame in 1999 for ransacking a McDonald's restaurant near his home in southern France and has encouraged the destruction of genetically modified crops, said his campaign would focus on protecting the environment and fighting globalization.
"It is time to decree an electoral uprising against economic liberalism," Mr Bove said.
His candidacy boosts an already large field of candidates for the April and May two-round election - and offers mostly a threat to other candidates on the left.
Front-runners are conservative Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy and Socialist Segolene Royal.
In 2002, fractures among leftist parties were blamed for pulling support away from Socialist Lionel Jospin and handing far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen a shock second-place finish behind President Jacques Chirac.
The Socialists have sought to rally left-wing voters behind Ms Royal, but her unorthodox views have alienated many.
Mr Bove must still garner support from 500 local officials to formally register next month.
Agencies