French conservative presidential hopeful backed by justice minister

French presidential candidate Édouard Philippe has secured the backing of the Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin. Darmanin announced his support for Philippe, a conservative figure, in an interview with a newspaper, signaling a significant endorsement ahead of next year's presidential elections.

The support from Darmanin, a key figure within the government, could bolster Philippe's campaign and signal a potential alignment of forces within the French political landscape. Philippe, who previously served as Prime Minister, has positioned himself as a centrist-conservative candidate, appealing to a broad range of voters.

Darmanin's endorsement is seen as a strategic move that could influence the dynamics of the presidential race. The upcoming elections are expected to be highly competitive, with several candidates vying for the top office. Philippe's campaign will likely leverage this support to strengthen his position and broaden his appeal.