French Prime Minister Manuel Valls says he will run for president next year. He is resigning to focus on the campaign.

“My candidacy is also a rebellion; I am, with all my heart, outraged at the idea that the Left could be disqualified from this presidential race,” said Valls.

“And this rebellion, I want to make it ours. I see the divisions on the Left, but for how long are we going to suffer this spectacle? That’s a good reason to move forward.”

The announcement comes four days after President Francois Holland said he would not run for re-election. Valls needs to win his left-leaning Socialist Party’s nomination in a two-round primary taking place in January.

Opinion polls show he is the favorite to get the spot on the top of the ticket. Valls is a security hard-liner and advocate of pro-business ideas. He will face stiff competition from party rivals. He also faces an uphill battle to defend his government’s bleak economic record.