Nicolas Sarkozy Out of France's Presidential Race

Late on Sunday night, the former head of state Nicolas Sarkozy annouced his retirment from politics.

His decision was preceded by his loss in the first round of the primary presidential elections which had to determine the two candidates of the Republican Party who will countinue the race to win a place at the Élysée Palace.

Sarkozy admitted his defeat without waiting for the final counting of the votes, after coming in third.

"I could not convince the French people to vote for me," stated the French politician who was head of state in the period 2007- 2012.

Sarkozy congratulated the former Prime Ministers of France François Fillon and Alain Juppé on their win in the first round of the elections. He also admitted that he will vote for Fillon on November 27.

With 90% of the votes having been counted, Fillon is still in the lead with the support of 44.2% of the voters, followed by Juppé who has 28.3% - nearly 8% more votes than Sarkozy.