Alain Juppe announced he will not run for the Elysée despite calls for him to replace scandal-hit Francois Fillon.

“I’m not in a position to unify the party,” said Juppe, adding that “therefore I confirm that I will not be a candidate for the presidency.”

Juppe was unexpectedly defeated by Fillon in the Republican Party primaries in November.

Fillon’s popularity and support within his party have been dwindling after allegations surfaced that he had paid his family members taxpayers' money for fictitious jobs – claims Fillon has staunchly denied.