[GEO.TV] Under-pressure French conservative Francois Fillon apologised to his supporters Sunday for the fake jobs scandal that threatens to sink his presidential bid but said he was sure he would be proved innocent.In a speech closely watched for signs he could abandon his campaign, Fillon told a crowd of tens of thousands near the Eiffel Tower that he had made a "mistake" by employing his wife Penelope as his parliamentary assistant.
Fillon, who is to be charged this month over claims he paid British-born Penelope and their children nearly 900,000 euros ($950,000) of public funds for doing little work, said he was convinced he would eventually be found not guilty.
"The problem is that by then it will be too late, the election will have been skewed," 63-year-old Fillon said, as British-born Penelope watched him from the stage.
Some senior politicians in his Republicans party have called for Fillon to be replaced immediately, with polls currently suggesting he would be eliminated in the first round of the election on April 23.
Examine your conscience
Polls show far-right leader Marine Le Pen and 39-year-old centrist Emmanuel Macron would progress to the runoff on May 7.
Former prime minister Alain Juppe, 71, has indicated to AFP through his entourage that he could be ready to replace Fillon as the rightwing candidate.
The Republicans party leadership is to meet on Monday evening.
Addressing his words to them at the rally, he said: "I have examined my conscience, now it is time for you to examine yours."
| Update from An Nahar at 3:55 p.m. ET: |
| So that's that. |