French candidate Fillon lashes out over corruption leaks

Conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon attends a television debate at French private TV channels BFM TV and CNews, in La Plaine-Saint-Denis, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, April 4, 2017. The 11 candidates in France's presidential race are preparing to face off in a crucial debate Tuesday evening, less than three weeks before the first round of the election. (Lionel Bonaventure/Pool Photo via AP) (The Associated Press)

Conservative French presidential candidate Francois Fillon is doused with flour while arriving at a political meeting in the eastern city of Strasbourg, Thursday April 6, 2017. A young man wearing a T-shirt marked “Students with Fillon” was seen on BFM TV throwing flour at the candidate Thursday night as Fillon walked among supporters, completely covering Fillon’s face, shoulders and chest with white powder.(BFMTV via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

PARIS – Conservative French presidential candidate Francois Fillon is threatening legal action over leaks that have deeply damaged his campaign — and that he believes came from President Francois Hollande.

Fillon said Thursday on France-Inter radio that he had detailed information about who was behind the leaks about parliamentary jobs he gave his wife and children. He said "when the time comes, I will pursue them" and "those who are at the origin of the affair will not sleep well in the future."

Fillon has been given preliminary charges of embezzlement but denies wrongdoing. On Thursday he reiterated accusations that the Socialist president was linked to the leaks — accusations Hollande has denied.

Fillon was once the front-runner in the race for the April 23-May 7 election, but polls now suggest he would come in third.