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France's Sarkozy quits as minister

PARIS, March 26 (UPI) -- Nicolas Sarkozy stepped down as interior minister Monday to focus on his bid to become France's next president.

Together with Ségolène Royal of the Socialist Party, Sarkozy of the ruling Union for a Popular Movement is the front-runner in France's upcoming first round of presidential elections to be held April 22. He will be replaced by François Baroin, who was previously minister for overseas territories.

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A total of 12 candidates will be running for president, and the current leader, Jacques Chirac, gave his support to Sarkozy last week. Centrist François Bayrou is seen to be in third place for the Elysée Palace.

Sarkozy has been an active member of Chirac's Cabinet, having also been finance minister under his rule.

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