France's former conservative president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has branded the full-body burkini swimsuits worn by some Muslim women a "provocation'' that he says supports radicalised Islam.
A series of local town bans on burkinis in France has set off a heated debate in the strictly secular country. Sarkozy says Wednesday night that "we don't imprison women behind fabric.''
As a leading opposition figure, Sarkozy announced this week that he is running for the presidency again in next spring's election.
He must first win the primaries organised by the French right in November, where he's expected to face tough competition.
Sarkozy says if he wins, he will ban every religious sign in French universities.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Sarkozy is expected to campaign on a hard-line platform on immigration and security issues.
