France's center-right Union of Democratic and Independents (UDI) withdrew its support for conservative contender Francois Fillon, whose campaign is hit by allegation over misuse of public funds, it announced Friday.

"Everyone knows that Francois Fillon has become a danger to alternation and therefore to France," UDI leader Jean-Christophe Lagarde told regional newspaper Ouest France.

"We solemnly ask the Republicans to change their candidate... We will not be able to pursue this alliance in such a blindness," he added.

The UDI's move came after the ex-prime minister was to put under formal investigation in relation with a probe over hefty payout paid to his wife for her work as parliamentary assistant that she would not really do.

Dogged by the "PenolopeGate", the 63-year-old politician suffered a severe setback after his party's senior members also suspended their support and called him to step down in favor of veteran Alain Juppe.

According to Odoxa pollster, if Juppe replaces the embattled contender, he will snatch the top spot in the first round's voting intention with 26.5 percent, outpacing Emmanuel Macron's 25 percent.

And Marine Le Pen, who has enjoyed a boost in polls following Fillon's fake job scandal, will be eliminated in the first round scheduled for April 23.

As the investigation into Fillon's wife's fake job deepens, the candidate's camp would plan a rally on Sunday in what the ex-premier's backers hope will prove a big enough show of force to regain voters' confidence.

Xinhua: Source