French President Francois Hollande called today for the country's political parties to unite to block the far-right National Front (FN) in this weekend's regional elections.
With the anti-immigration party topping the poll in the first round last Sunday, Hollande's spokesman Stephane Le Foll quoted the president as saying there "needed to be clarity in the behaviour and attitude of all political leaders to defend the values of the Republic".
He said the elections were particularly important given the power that regional governments have over education, transport and environment policy.
"The regions have a major role in deciding the future" of the country, he said.
"This is a test of our unity," Hollande added.
French presidents usually try to be seen as remaining above party politics.
