French Presidential candidate, Finance Minister Valery Giscord D'Estaing, entered the final week of his campaign on Saturday (11 May), with a speech on the role of women in France.

M. Giscard D'Estaing addressed supporters at Poitiers in central France. He promised to name a Remale Secretary of State in charge of problems relating to the condition of French women, if he were elected.

He spoke about the traditional role of French women. A translation of part of his speech follows:
M. Gisoard D'Estaing went on to say he was endenvouring to win over socialists and trade unionists who refused to follow the Socialist-Communist alliance of M. Francois Mitterrand, his rival candidate.

M. Giscard D'Estaing said "There is no need to overthrow our institutions. But we could modify their style so as to shape them in a more simple, more modern way".

Voting in the crucial second round of the Presidential election will be held on 19 May. Opinion polls have indicated that it could be a very narrow victory for either candidate.