" ... Fillon, the centre-right candidate who has spent a life in politics padding his own pockets ..."

The writer doesn't seem to know much about the French political situation. This scalding dismissal of Fillon shows nothing but ignorance. Yes he got caught having allowed himself to gather a few personal benefits as used to be the practice (and probably still is) with politicians not only in France but most places that have wardhealer type democracies. Yet his transgressions are miniscule compared to what went on in some recent presidencies.

What many French will remember is his competence, dedication to duty and the contrast he offered as Prime Minister to the sleazyness of Sarkozy. The latter would have loved to dismiss him as was nominally in his authority but Fillon's standing among the French people made it impossible. 

It will be interesting to see how much of that respect will assert itself on the way to the polls. 

So much more to say about this shallow article!