国际英语新闻:Divided Socialists under spotlight after conservatives rally behind Fillon

PARIS, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The ruling Socialists in France, already deeply divided, are seeking how to water down speculations over fresh rift between the Elysee and the government after Francois Fillon on Sunday won an overwhelmingly center-right support for next year's presidential election.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls on Monday downplayed speculations over an eventual bid to contest left-wing primary and challenge unpopular President Francois Hollande for upcoming presidential election.

"There cannot be, especially at a time when France is confronted by the threat of terrorism, a political confrontation between the president of the Republic and the prime minister over a primary election," a source close to Valls was quoted as saying by local media.

The Prime Minister said he remained "chief of the government," in a move to reject speculations over a possible rift with his boss over who should compete in left-wing primary.

However, in an interview with Le Journal de Dimanche released on Sunday, Valls said "ready" for left-wing primary, warning that the Left "could get pulverised during the evening of the first round (of presidential election)."

"I will make my decision in all conscience...Whatever happens, the best interests of the country will influence my decision," he said.

Government spokesman Stephane Le Foll also rejected rumours over leadership crisis months ahead of the race to the Elysee Palace.

"To those who say there could be a primary election between the president and prime minister, I say there won't be a primary between the president and the prime minister," he told Europe 1 broadcaster.

After five years in power tainted by high unemployment and rising security concerns, the Socialists and the broader Left wing parties are weakened by internal upheavals which make it difficult for them to gather momentum to take on the right-wing and the far right party.

Besides, a long-sliding popularity of Hollande has risen pressure on the Socialists to seek for the right candidate who has enough credentials to pass the first round.

On Saturday, Claude Bartolone, head of the National Assembly, called on Holland and Valls to take part in the left-primary competition to pick the party's candidate for 2017 presidential election.

In a further sign that complicates the Socialists' primary outlook, seven contenders including former ministers Aranud Montebourg and Benoit Hamon said to participate in the two-round competition scheduled for Jan. 22 and 29.

Ex-economy minister Emmanuel Macron and six other candidates have launched their own campaign, a fact likely to splinter votes and smash the Left parties' hope to maintain power in 2017.

"The left is committing a suicide," Christophe Barbier, a political analyst told news channel BFMTV.

Traditionally, the incumbent head of state represents his party in an election, without a contest. But given Hollande's weak approval ratings, he could face a challenger from the left.

According to Didier Guillaume, president of the Socialist senators, French president will decide by Dec. 10 whether to seek a second five-year term in next year's presidential election.

French pollsters predicted the Socialist leader would lose in the first round of upcoming election.