Both Candidates Bad, Rightist Tells Rally

The leader of France’s far-right National Front, a kingmaker in next week’s presidential election, refused to endorse either candidate Monday, saying the election was a choice between bad and worse.

Jean Le Pen told a rally of some 15,000 followers awaiting instructions for the May 7 vote to decide for themselves. He said he would announce his own choice on Wednesday, a day after a televised debate between Socialist Lionel Jospin and conservative candidate Jacques Chirac.

“For us, let’s say it clearly, Chirac is Jospin, only worse,” he said.

Le Pen’s stance appeared to be an attempt to extract promises from the candidates during the debate.

Le Pen got a record 15 percent in the April 23 first round, giving adherents of his anti-immigration National Front crucial influence in Sunday’s voting.