1st LD Writethru: Ex-economy minister says to run for French presidency in 2017

Former economy minister Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced he will be a candidate for the next year's presidential election.

"I'm ready. I am a candidate for the presidency of the Republic because I believe that we can succeed, that France can succeed," Macron said.

"This decision is the fruit of an intimate and deep conviction," he added.

Denouncing a blocked political system and "obsolete rules," the former investment banker called on "all women and men of good will, those who believe in freedom and progress" to act in a bid to "to bring France into the 21st century, to make the country recovering."

"In a few months on the occasion of the presidential election, an opportunity is offered to us. The responsibility of the president of the Republic is immense and I am aware of it," he told reporters.

Macron, 38, said he was joining the race to the Elysee Palace as an independent candidate and campaigning for "hope" and "fight for all of France."

The pro-business contender joined the Socialist government in August 2014 to replace ousted economy minister Arnaud Montebourg. Two years later, he quit his post to focus on his political career.

He has never held an elected post. He disclosed his political ambition after creating his own political movement "En Marche" (On the Move) in April, vowing to lead the movement "to 2017 and to victory."

A recent Elabe survey showed that Macron would garner 27 percent of votes in the first round of election, while Hollande who is projected to collect 12 percent of the vote. Endit