France, Sept. 22 -- Former French prime minister Michel Barnier has sailed through the first round of a high-profile by-election in Paris, emerging as the clear frontrunner to retake a long-time conservative stronghold.

Standing for the centre-rightLes Republicains (LR), Michel Barnier claimed more than 45 percent of the vote on Sunday in the capital's second constituency - a seat traditionally considered safe for the right.

He will face Socialist candidate Frederique Bredin in next weekend's run-off.

Turnout, however, has been exceptionally low, with almost three in four voters staying away from the ballot box, with abstention close to 75 percent.

Barnier himself admitted it reflected "worry, frustration and fatigue" with France's na...