Story highlights Francois Fillon beats ex-prime minister Alain Juppe in runoff

Fillon may face far-right Marine Le Pen in 2017 presidential vote

(CNN) French conservatives have picked Francois Fillon as their presidential candidate in next year's election.

Fillon easily beat Bordeaux Mayor Alain Juppe in the Republican party's first ever US-style primary runoff Sunday, getting about 66% of the vote.

"Victory is mine. It is a substantive victory built on belief," Fillon said as he spoke to supporters after his win. "We have all the assets to be a modern, sovereign nation in the lead in Europe."

Fillon could face far-right National Front Party leader Marine Le Pen in the final round of the presidential vote next spring, as voters are widely expected to boot out the Socialist Party that has ruled France since 2012 under the leadership of President Francois Hollande, whose popularity is waning.

"This past presidential term has been pathetic," Fillon said in criticizing Hollande. "It is time to end it and start moving forward as we have never done in 30 years. For this we will need everyone."

Francois Fillon after giving a speech at a campaign rally in Paris on Friday.