(VOVworld) – Former French Education Minister Benoit Hamon was the first-round winner in the left wing’s presidential primaries, garnering with 35 percent of the votes. Former Prime Minister Manuel Valls got 31 percent.

Former French Education Minister Benoit Hamon (Photo: VNA)

Hamon will now face Valls in a run-off to be the socialist presidential nominee. Former Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourge received only 18 percent of the vote. The result surprised analysts, who considered Hamon a leftwing outsider who wouldn’t seriously challenge former Prime Minister Manuel Valls.