France's former prime minister Manuel Valls endorsed the presidential bid of centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, saying he would vote for him in the election first round on April 23.

Asked on French television if he would vote for Macron, 39 and a former economy minister, Valls said: "Yes, because I think you should not take any risks for the Republic. So, I will vote for Emmanuel Macron," who is predicted to face far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the second round run-off.