French Presidential Candidate Valls Criticizes Fillon for 'Pro-Russian' Stance

© REUTERS / Charles PlatiauFrancois Fillon, candidate in Sunday's second round of the French center-right presidential primary elections, members of the conservative Les Republicains political party, delivers a speech during a meeting with deputies in Paris, France, November 22, 2016.
Francois Fillon, candidate in Sunday's second round of the French center-right presidential primary elections, members of the conservative Les Republicains political party, delivers a speech during a meeting with deputies in Paris, France, November 22, 2016. - Sputnik International
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Francois Fillon, the presidential nominee of French The Republicans party, might not be able to protect French interests properly due to his friendliness toward Russia, Manuel Valls, former French prime minister and a potential candidate from the left at the 2017 presidential election, said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to Valls, France had to continue dialogue with Russia, but in a more assertive manner, to help put an end to the suffering of civilians trapped in an ongoing conflict in Aleppo.

"I see a strong pro-Russian sentiment in Francois Fillon that makes me think he would not protect properly the independence of France," Valls said in an interview to Brut outlet.

Francois Fillon, former French prime minister and member of Les Republicains political party, reacts as he delivers his speech after partial results in the second round for the French center-right presidential primary election in Paris, France, November 27, 2016. - Sputnik International
France's Fillon May Dramatically Change EU's Stance on Russia if Wins Presidency
During the center-right primaries, Fillon repeatedly stated that there was no threat from Russia, Moscow should be a partner in anti-terror fight in Syria, while the European sanctions against Russia should be lifted.

The ruling Socialist Party is preparing for two rounds of primaries in January. Former Prime Minister Manuel Valls is among the declared candidates for the Socialist Party's nomination.

The French presidential election will take place in April and May 2017.

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