French presidential candidate Francois Fillon on Sunday conceded his defeat, asking his supporters to back Emmanuel Macron in the second round of voting on 7 May.
"Despite all my efforts, my determination, I have not succeeded in convincing my fellow countrymen and women. The obstacles in my path were too numerous and too cruel. This defeat is mine, I accept the responsibility, it is mine and mine alone to bear," Fillon told his supporters.