Archive images of French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau who has announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Les Republicains (LR) party, the first step that could propel him into the race for the French presidency and trigger a leadership battle between political heavyweights on the right. Retailleau, whose popularity has risen in the polls since he joined the government of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier in September, announced his candidacy ahead of a crucial meeting of the LR political bureau, which is set to determine the date of the congress to elect its president. SHORT PROFILE of Bruno Retailleau