PARIS (Sputnik) — The 75-year-old veteran of French politics, who is also a former diplomat and senior civil servant in the French Ministry of Economy, is running his third presidential campaign. An ardent supporter of science, technology, industrial progress and classical education, Cheminade has promised to promote the establishment of a Moon base, nationalize strategically important companies, create a research and innovation ministry and help with the development of poorer countries to remedy migration.
"I will not be a candidate in 2022. But a lot will happen until then. We are entering a period of historic turbulence. There is risk of war. There is risk of financial crisis, this is corroborated by a Senate strategy committee report which I have in front of me now. Furthermore, the winner will be deprived of a parliamentary majority. In moments of historic turbulence, which is expected in France and around the world, people look for new ideas," Cheminade said.
Participating in his third presidential race after winning 0.2 percent in 2012, Cheminade is not seen as a main contender for the French presidency as this year's race enters its final week.
The first round of the French presidential election is scheduled for April 23, while the run-off between the top two contenders will take place on May 7. A total of 11 candidates are taking part in the presidential race.
