Former conservative President Sarkozy endorses Macron in presidential race

FILE PHOTO: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and French President Emmanuel Macron arrive at a traditional annual ceremony at the Mont-Valerien, a memorial for the French who fought against the Nazis and those who were killed by the occupying forces, in Suresnes, west of Paris, France June 18, 2020. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - Former conservative French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday endorsed Emmanuel Macron ahead of the second round in France's presidential election, in a move that may complicate Macron's charm offensive with left-wing voters.

Sarkozy's endorsement will certainly help the French president attract voters who backed the conservatives' Valerie Pecresse in the first round, but could deter left-wing voters who will see a confirmation Macron is as right-wing as Sarkozy.