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Sarkozy resigns to focus on presidential campaign

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PARIS, France (CNN) -- French conservative candidate Nicolas Sarkozy has resigned as interior minister to focus on his presidential campaign.

Sarkozy, who received the long-anticipated backing of President Jacques Chirac on March 21, was replaced on Monday by Francois Baroin.

Baroin was previously minister for overseas territories.

Meanwhile, Xavier Bertrand has stepped down as health minister to become a spokesman for Sarkozy's campaign.

Philippe Bas, previously families minister, takes over from Bertrand.

The 52-year-old Sarkozy has a narrow lead in most recent polls, ahead of Socialist Segolene Royal and center-right candidate Francois Bayrou.

A poll released March 20 by the LH2 agency showed Sarkozy had 29 percent support, Royal had 26 percent and Bayrou 22 percent.

Far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, who advanced to the runoff against President Jacques Chirac in 2002, polled at 12.5 percent

There are 12 candidates in the two-round election on April 22 and May 6.

A record 16 candidates ran in the last presidential election in 2002.

Copyright 2007 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

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