Former US president Barack Obama backed Emmanuel Macron for the French presidency, praising the centrist frontrunner's "liberal values" in a video on the candidate's website.

Mr Obama said he was endorsing the centrist candidate "because of how important this election is."

"He appeals to people's hopes and not their fears," he added.

Mr Macron is facing far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in Sunday's runoff vote. Polls suggest he is well ahead.