Cantona asks mayors for presidential backing

Eric Cantona, the maverick former football star turned actor, made a surprise intervention in France’s 2012 presidential race in January 2012, seeking the signatures of 500 elected officials needed to qualify as a candidate.

But the initiative appeared to be aimed more as a means of drawing attention to his causes than a serious tilt at the presidency.

More than 10 candidates have declared their intention to run against President Nicolas Sarkozy – although the president himself has yet to announce officially that he will seek re-election.

ESO: Background information: French presidential election, 2012 http://www.europeansources.info/record/french-presidential-election-2012/

France24, 10.1.12: French footballer Cantona 'to run for presidency' http://www.france24.com/en/20120109-france-eric-cantona-presidency-election-footballer-actor-manchester-united

The Local.fr, 9.1.12: Sarkozy closes gap on rival as French poll nears http://www.thelocal.fr/2227/20120109/

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