It is therefore a woman who will represent the Republicans in the presidential election next spring.
Valérie Pécresse won the LR primary on Saturday, winning the second round against Éric Ciotti (61% against 39% of the vote).
"Our unity is our strength," declared the president of the Ile-de-France region, promising to "give everything" to win.
Read alsoPécresse LR presidential candidate: what the polls say
"We are taking a first step on the road to victory," greeted Christian Jacob, the party chairman.
A handsome player, Eric Ciotti had no trouble recognizing his defeat.
"Valérie has just won this election, she now has the enormous responsibility of bringing our political family to victory," he said, promising to "campaign side by side" with the former Minister of Higher Education and Research.