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Former United States president Barack Obama has endorsed French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, taking his first dive back into international politics since leaving the White House.
"I have admired the campaign that Emmanuel Macron has run," Mr Obama said in the video message released by Mr Macron.
"He has stood up for liberal values, he put forward a vision for the important role that France plays in Europe and around the world, and he is committed to a better future for the French people.
"He appeals to people's hopes, and not their fears.
"I'm not planning to get involved in many elections now that I don't have to run for office again.
"But the French election is very important to the future of France and the values that we care so much about.
"Because the success of France matters to the entire world."
Mr Macron is facing far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in Monday's (AEST) run-off vote, and polls suggest he is well ahead.
He asked the former US leader for his support, an aide to Mr Obama said.
Mr Obama called Mr Macron privately in April and praised him, but declined to make an endorsement.
He decided to weigh in now because he believes France's success impacts international challenges on the global stage, the aide said.
The aide spoke to the Associated Press on background because the aide was not authorised to speak about Mr Obama's deliberations.
US President Donald Trump has praised Mr Macron's opponent, Ms Le Pen, although he has not explicitly endorsed her.
"She's the strongest on borders, and she's the strongest on what's been going on in France," he said in April.
"Whoever is the toughest on radical Islamic terrorism, and whoever is the toughest at the borders, will do well in the election."
AP
Topics: world-politics, france, united-states
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