Nicolas Sarkozy declares bid to return to French presidency in 2017

Right-winger occupied the Élysée Palace between 2007 and 2012

The former President made the announcement on his Facebook page (Reuters)

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is to seek his party's nomination to run as a candidate in the 2017 presidential election, he has announced.

He previously served as president between 2007 and 2012 and was beaten by Francois Hollande when he sought re-election in 2012. He became France's first president not to be re-elected for a second term since Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1981.

His time in office was characterised by a number of scandals, including allegations of corruption. In 2014, he was held in police custody for 15 hours as part of an investigation into the finances of his party, Les Republicains, and allegations he tried to obtain information from a magistrate about legal proceedings against him. He denied the allegations, accusing political opponents of attempting to run a smear campaign against him to prevent him from re-entering the political arena.

His perceived extravagancy and penchant for celebrity friends earned him the moniker 'President Bling Bling'.

During his time out of office, Mr Sarkozy has kept a low profile, with the exception of police dealings.

Recent opinion polls have indicated Mr Sarkozy’s popularity has increased in France. Some French political commentators have suggested he has the required experience and authority to lead France as it struggles with the aftermath of recent terrorist attacks. He is expected to lead his campaign based on hard-line approaches to immigration and security.

Some critics of Francois Hollande have attacked him for being seen as too tolerant and not doing enough to prevent extremism.

Writing on his Facebook page, the politician announced: "I have decided to be a candidate for the 2017 presidential election.

“I felt I had the strength to lead this battle at a tormented time in our history.”

For the first time, France's right and centre will be holding primaries for their presidential race, akin to the US political system. A two-round ballot will be held in November for party members to lend their support to a candidate. Mr Sarkozy will face competition from Alain Juppe, who is currently favourite in the polls.