Segolene Royal is a strong contender in the 2007 French presidential elections with hopes of becoming the first female French head of state in the country's history.

Born on Sept. 22, 1953 in Dakar, Senegal, Royal is the candidate of the Socialist Party.

Nicknamed "Sego," she is president of the Poitou-Charentes region and a member of the National Assembly.

Royal graduated from the elite Ecole rationale administration institution where many French leaders have received their education, and was a classmate of Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin.

Royal emerged out of obscurity in the Socialist Party and won nomination of her candidacy defeating party heavyweights.

Royal has held several ministerial portfolios since 1992 and was elected president of the Poitou-Charentes region in March 2004.

As a left-wing politician, Royal promises an increase in minimum wage, state pension and more protection in the first year of job.

Royal has been the private-life partner of Socialist leader Francois Hollande. They have four children.

Source: Xinhua