François René Jean Lucien Bayrou is a French politician who has presided over the Democratic Movement (MoDem) since he founded it in 2007. A centrist, he was a candidate in the 2002, 2007 and 2012 presidential elections. He has also presided over the European Democratic Party (EDP) since 2004.
Bayrou in 2018
François Bayrou at a meeting in Marseille in April 2012
François Bayrou in Strasbourg in 2007
François Bayrou in 2009
2002 French presidential election
Presidential elections were held in France on 21 April 2002, with a runoff election between the top two candidates, incumbent Jacques Chirac of the Rally for the Republic and Jean-Marie Le Pen of the National Front, on 5 May. This presidential contest attracted a greater than usual amount of international attention because of far-right candidate Le Pen's unexpected appearance in the runoff election.
Image: Jacques Chirac 2004 (cropped)
Image: Jean marie le pen cropped
A response to the first round of elections, this spray-painted sign was seen on the streets of Paris. Translation: "April 21: I feel heartbroken".
The 1 May 2002 Labour Day demonstrations for workers' rights included protests against Jean-Marie Le Pen.
