Democracy Now: French Socialist Candidate Beats Sarkozy in First Round Vote
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has suffered a political setback after narrowly losing France’s first-round presidential election to Socialist candidate François Hollande. The far-right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen of the National Front placed third with 18 percent of the vote. Hollande said the French vote is a reaction against austerity measures taken by Sarkozy.
François Hollande: “This is a gesture of confidence in the project that I presented to the French to rebuild our country with justice, to perfect finances, to find growth and jobs. I want to reduce debt, to protect our industries, to promote values of the Republic, to prepare the future and transition of energy.”
Sarkozy will now be forced to reach out to supporters of the far-right National Front in an effort to win the general election. Earlier today, he vowed to get tough on immigration and security.
