Nicolas Sarkozy launches presidential bid

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced on Monday he will run to become leader of the country again, four years after he was defeated by incumbent François Hollande.

Sarkozy, 61, said on Twitter: “I’ve decided to be candidate in the 2017 election. France demands we give it everything. I’ve felt that I have the strength to lead this fight at such a troubled time in our history."

He had previously hinted a return to front line politics and his announcement would not come as a surprise to some. Sarkozy did not say whether he would join his centre-right Les Républicains party primaries in November. There are other contenders vying to be the party’s candidate for the election next year including Alain Juppé, whom Sarzkozy is trailing in, according to recent polls.

Sarkozy was defeated by Socialist president Hollande, whose popularity has waned since forcing through disputed labour reforms and a series of terror attacks in Paris and Nice.