During an election debate hosted by BFM, a private television channel, and RMC radio, the two presidential candidates said all they wanted was to prevent "a confrontation between the blocs," not to form an alliance in the run-up to the second round of the presidential election, due May 6.
"We could travel along a certain stage of our way together, but I do not expect this dialogue to result in any theatrical gesture," Socialist candidate Royal said.
Centrist leader Bayrou also confirmed that the debates would not lead to a union that could endorse either of the two candidates, but said it was necessary to change the dividing lines between party positions anyway and form broader unions than before.
Royal's opponent in the final round and a representative of the ruling Conservative party, Nicholas Sarkozy, has left for an election tour to northern France, where he said he was not interested in a debate between Royal and Bayrou. He also said although he was "open to dialogue" with Bayrou, the Centrist candidate was beyond the choice the people of France would have to make May 6.
In the first round April 22, Sarkozy secured 31.2% of the vote, and Royal, his main rival and potentially France's first woman president, received 25.7%, according to preliminary official reports. The two main rivals - both post-war generation politicians - have pledged to cut government spending and preside over radical changes, with former Interior Minister Sarkozy highlighting economic reform and public order and Royal focusing on welfare and a fairer society.
On the next day after the first round, Royal and Sarkozy launched a campaign for Centrist votes, which could play a key role in the outcome of the election. Surveys show that about 30% of the Centrist electorate would vote for Sarkozy May 6, 35% said they would support Royal, and the other have yet to decide.
