French conservative Pécresse holds big presidential rally

By THOMAS ADAMSON
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — A conservative politician who is vying to become France’s first female president is hoping to boost her declining fortunes with her first major campaign rally. Less than 60 days from the April 10 first round of France’s presidential election, 54-year-old Valérie Pécresse is struggling to take off in the polls. The fact that Pécresse has not held any major rallies like other candidates, owing to earlier concerns over soaring omicron infections, seems to have hurt her. She is stalling in popularity behind far-right leader Marine Le Pen and frontrunner President Emmanuel Macron. Macron has still not officially declared his candidacy but is expected to.