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From Times Online

May 6, 2007

French give Sarkozy a mandate for reform

Charles Bremner, Paris

Nicolas Sarkozy, the son of a Hungarian immigrant, has won the French presidency with a solid majority that he described tonight as a mandate for a moral renaissance and radical reform of the over-regulated welfare state.

Thousands celebrated late into the night in the Place de la Concorde after the 52-year-old leader of President Chirac’s Union for a Popular Movement defeated Ségolène Royal, the Socialist, with 53 percent of the vote. The turnout after their bitter fortnight’s duel since the first round was a near-record 85 percent.

“Together we are going to write a new page of history,” the pugnacious former Interior Minister told cheering supporters. “The page, I am sure, will be great and it will be beautiful.” Ms Royal accepted defeat with a smile, telling supporters that she had nevertheless relaunched the left.

“Something has risen which will not stop. Let us keep in tact the energy and joy... of this campaign,” she said. Her Socialist colleagues were, however bitter over the third presidential defeat of their party in succession.

“The flag of the Left lies on the ground,” said Laurent Fabius, one of the most senior Socialists.

Mr Sarkozy delivered a lyrical victory speech, voicing his love for “this great and beautiful nation which has given me everything”. He promised to be “the president of all the French” and fulfill his promise of immediate radical reform.

“The French have chosen to break with the ideas, habits and behaviour of the past,” he said. “I will restore the value of work, authority, merit and respect for the nation.”

He would also rid France of its habit of “repenting” for its past historical sins. “This repentance is a form of self-hatred,” he said.

Mr Sarkozy offered friendship to the United States, but urged Washington to act urgently on climate change. He also warned fellow European leaders that he expected them to join him in making the Union more protective.

“It must not be the Trojan horse for globalisation’s ills,” he said.

By choosing Mr Sarkozy, France turned a deaf ear to the warnings of Ms Royal and much of the left that his muscular plans for restoring the work ethic, cutting welfare and fighting crime would lead to violence and even insurrection.

Police were out in force in Paris and in immigrant districts on all the big city outskirts in case of violence by youths who see Mr Sarkozy, the Interior Minister for most of the past five years, as their enemy.

Accepting her defeat, Ms Royal told cheering supporters on the Boulevard Saint Germain: “I understand your disappointment, but I tell you, something has arisen which will not stop.”

Smiling as some supporters wept, she added: “I undertook a profound reform of the political world and of the left. The high turnout rate showed the revival of political life in France. “

Mr Sarkozy’s victory, the first since 1969 by a candidate from the outgoing President’s party, marks a change of generation after 12 years under President Chirac, 74, although he is not the youngest to be elected to the monarchical presidency of the Fifth Republic. His triumph followed a campaign in which all candidates offered paths for ending the relative economic decline and moral malaise that has afflicted France over over 15 years.

Mr Sarkozy, fiercely ambitious and hyper-energetic, had promised by the most radical -- and un-French -- recipe for restoring the country’s pride and wealth. “Work more to earn more” was the simple slogan that he used to convince the country that its renaissance lies with individual effort rather than reliance on the “social solidarity” which has created the world’s shortest official working week and one of Europe’s highest unemployment rates.

The defeat of Ms Royal, who was the favourite until Mr Sarkozy launched his campaign in January, is expected to lead to blood-letting in the Socialist party after general elections for a new Parliament in six weeks. Ms Royal, whose partner Francois Hollande is the party leader, was never fully supported by Socialist elders who objected to her single-handed attempt to modernise the left during her campaign.

In next month’s elections, voters are expected to return a parliament dominated by the UMP, the former Gaullist movement, which Mr Sarkozy took over in 2004 and jettisoned the semi-socialist doctrines that had been applied by Mr Chirac.

Though this all sounds like a wonderful thing, we will all have to just wait and see. Hopefully this does mean that France is back, and will become the Ally to America and England that it once was. If so, and they have grown a backbone, then maybe they can then show the Liberals in America how to back down from the road their leading us on, and show the Republicans how to grow a backbone themselves. Congratulations to France.

Robert Garding - Jamestown, Indiana/USA
Tired of all the Liberal Rhetoric out there....
http://elwoodin.wordpress.com

Robert Garding, Jamestown, Indiana/USA

I can only hope this means France is reforming and will, dare I say it... grow a backbone. Perhaps the world is getting the message that we need to stand up for what is right, and actually defend their nationality. Welcome back France to the ability to be as respected as you once were. I hope this is the start of a new friendship. Best of luck implementing these reforms France, and I hope they include enforcing your borders, because if you secure your borders maybe it will give our politicians the backbone to do so as well.

Jonathan Sims, Murrieta, California

I see the same issues here in America as in France. When Sarkozy said that " repentance is a form of self hatred." he was right on target. For most Americans we are sick and tired of the left victemizing themselves for events that happened decades, or hundreds of years in the past. Our slogan is and will remain, "Work more, earn more".

Mike Ponzini, rockville, Mo.

My congratulations to france in this victory over the dogs of socialism who has ravage your country over the years and I hope the rest of Eroupe wakes up from their drunkin stuper of this failed system that takes all you have and give nothing in return. Agian my best to the people of France I'm looking forward to a great Allied to America and Great Britain we have miss you for a long time Viva Le FRANCE !!!

Laurence Scoles, Sacramento, California /U.S.A.

POLARIZED? When 85% of the eligble electors particiapte and the margin is 53 percent to 47 percent vote you call it decisive. I fear you are upset tht your side lost. The people spoke. In France they stood up for borders, language and culture.

Charles Collins, Charleston, St. Andrews Parish, South Carolina, USA

Nice to see the French are getting their backbone in order. Lets see what the U.S. media will do with this story. God bless and best of luck to the French!

J.B. , Ocala, USA FL.

At last common sense prevails. Socialism must die as these arrivistes are no good for the future of Nations.

A Country is not to be abused by takers but to be cherished and improved for all our children for the future.

Fortunately the intelligent voters of both England and France have observed what is happening around them - Socialism must be expunged forever . D. Smith

David Smith, Paris, France

The elections show France has become polarized, like USA. What i would like to know is:
1 why such trend of polarization
2 where would it lead
3 Why is the media incapable of explaining such things

Joe Coder, Annapolis, MD

so, i am a great fan of Ms royal.i watched her last debate with Mr sarkozy in which she comment some huge developments for france.and also due to her chrismic prosonality i like to watch her as next president

rai qamar, sargodha, pakistan

Congrats to the French voters for making the correct choice - this could turn out to be a VERY important move over time for the US and Europe. But most importantly, it is a great move for France!

Adam, Spring, USA

Hopefully, France will now formulate an effective immigration policy. In the meantime, I will be reciting La chanson de Roland. If you don't know what that means, check out French literature an French history. Back in the states, I'm thinking we need a new (and longer living) Davy Crockett.

David E. Miller, Las Vegas, Nevada

To Matt in San Diego:

i think you need to go back to political science class. The Nazis were FASCISTS, the opposite end of the political spectrum than liberals.

Communism (furthest left)/socialism (next in line)/liberalism on the left

then you have your moderates

Then you have conservativism, then fascism (furthest right)on the right.

The political spectrum is difficult to show here with such limited space, but that is it in a nutshell.

Social science teacher in SD

D. Pence, Rapid City,

Congrats to Starkozy and the French people!! I like many hope this is a new dawn for the French. Liberals and Socialist Democrats in the U.S. should take note. Maybe now we can have a reliable French ally once again. Good job France!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uriah Phillips, Virginia, Minnesota

I can understand French voters' dilema. On the one hand it is difficult for a non french person to imagine the power of the French state. Dealing with everyday bureaucracy is a nightmare, and for those who wish to start a business the problems are worse. Wages and Health insurance are astronomical and there exists a distinctly anti-entreprenurial attitude amongst banks and local authorities. At the same time even if left leaning voting experience these problems voting for Sarkozy is hard as he has such a harsh persona. The result may be a shared parliament in the next legislative elections, whereby Royal becomes PM with a socialist government. If this happens- as it has in the past-many of the reforms Sarkozy tries to implement will be blocked by the government and France may well end up in the same position it is in now.

S Collins, Brittany,

It is time for France under the friendship of the United States lauch their war against terror. France can now join the United Kingdom and the United States in their battles. The new Nationalist party will hopefully spread in Europe and stop the Communist mentality. God Bless Democracy!

Teague Nicholson, Leesburg , VA, USA

Bravo for the French. I wish them well and welcome them as allies for America.

Jessy, Pittsburgh, pa

It's about time France has waken up.

marcus, Bound Brook, USA

I'm so happy and so hopeful for my country now.
Vive la France,vive la République!

louisa, Soissons, France

I hope this starts the healing between France and the U.S. We have been allies in the past, Shed our blood for the French people, Now lets rebuild that once great friendship we shared . I am happy that the people of France have realised that only by hard work will they prosper and become a great nation.Nothing in life worth having is free.

Kenneth, Mcallen, Texas, United States

Bad news for French under dogs. Hopefully the burden of office will mollify Sarkozy.

Joe Brown, Darlington, United Kingdom

I am french and I hope Sarkozy will win in order to engage reforms, as Great Britain did twenty years ago to face the same kind of problems as France. But a large part of the civil-servents and the extrem-left wing voters are against reforms... The violence of this election was amazing and frightning. The hardest will be to do the job : to stop the decline...

CR, Toulouse, France

Charles, it has been a pleasure to follow your articles (and readers comments) during this election.

Might i suggest an article (or ten) on "voters are expected to return a parliment dominated by the UMP". I hope you are right. What makes you believe this?

For those of you who didn't see Dominque Strauss Kahn (DSK) on TF1, it was most amusing. DSK is a smart man, the only socialist i respect. On TV last night, he criticized the left (i.e; his own party) in harsh terms. He understands that the time has come for the French socialists to modernize; he clearly sees himself as the man to make those changes. He was arguing on live TV with Jack Lang, one of the old-school lefties, who was sitting beside him. DSK's body languages was fun to watch, as he turned in his seat, away from Lang, giving him the cold shoulder. Humm, fun and games over the next few weeks in the Socialists ranks, methinks. Hard to predict what's going to happen with "Madame". A show-down between her and DSK?

Sam Young, Paris, France

Socialism is the life blood of the virus that plaques Humanity. Socialist spread the ideas of socialism that are absorbed by the lowest common denominator of mankind like a sponge. Look at who riots today in the streets of France. It's the losing party the socialist. They are a people unworthy to govern. So they influence by subjecting others to fear in order to control. Read your history and you will see why the French may survive that socialist plaque by electing a conservative President. Socialism will kill a country from with in faster than any enemy can do from outside. Congratulation goes to the French people. The French need to elect more conservatives to parliament in the next election. The Free World wishes you well.

.Victor, Harrisburg, USA PA

Thank GOD. Maybe now France can become the great nation that supported the U.S. during WW2.

PALMA, NY, USA,NY

Yes Palma. Perhaps France can be the great nation that supported your fledgling democracy at the Battle of Yorktown in 1776. History books can be found at local bookstores for a reasonable price. (History didn't start in 1941)

Jon Kingsbury, Southampton, UK

Socialism is the life blood of the virus that plaques Humanity.

Socialist spread the ideas of socialism that are absorbed by the lowest common denominator of mankind like a sponge.

Look at who riots today in the streets of France. It's the losing party the socialist. They are a people unworthy to govern. So they influence by subjecting others to fear in order to control. Read your history and you will see why the French may survive that socialist plaque by electing a conservative President. Socialism will kill a country from with in faster than any enemy can do from outside. Congratulation goes to the French people. The French need to elect more conservatives to parliament in the next election.

The Free World wishes you well.

.Victor, Harrisburg, USA PA

One hopes that Mr Sarkozy will pull France out of its power dive into Hell. The Socialists have had their run, let's give St. Nicolas a chance...

Elmer Fudd, Seattle, Washington State

It may be touted that France has turned right. But next year,
there is the not unlikely possibility that a Democratic President will cap two democratically controlled
Houses].This ,to my mind,means that the U.S.A. will be
decisively moving away from the right-in international,environmental,
economic and social policies.Therefore,Sarkozy's
Atlanticist position will by no means harbinger better relations.In fact, crushing militant youth might do the reverse.

neville layne, new york, u.s.a.

Nice work Sarkozy, I hope the last minute resurrection of France is not too late; but I fear it is. I think France's slow, painful death is ongoing and inevitable. A nation can only suffer the corrosion of it's culture and pride for a limited time, then it is no longer a nation but a collection of individuals.

Scott, Santa Rosa, California

Congratulations to the French people. The true adults have spoken! They have said, we believe in the power and ingenuity of each person. Goverment cannot be our parents, and there is no free lunch.

Shawn Reagan, Rochester, USA/NY

The Seige of France is about to end..and those drunken intoxicated by the gran tete of socialism will have to work like men and women..once more..a new self worth for them as individuals and as a nation..Finally the France read about as a child..is about to return..How much I love you..as lovers cry when their eyes see the swallow return home to Capistrano..so I say welcome home my love..welcome back home France..

Manny, conway, south carolina, usa

Ah, the left, what do you make of them?, they jump up and down like unruly spoiled brats when they dont get their own way,
they incite violence, they HATE losing even by the ballot box!! they pour hatred and scorn on anyone who opposes their views.
To all the lefties in Europe you had your own way for too long, you
underestimated the wishes of decent thinking people and treated us like outcasts and now it's the begining of the end for you as the people of France have rightly and democratly shown.Now, no doubt you will show your true self, by inflicting violence, spitting hatred,and stirring religious divide, just like the contemptable polices you have inflicted for the last 50 years.North Korea sounds like a good holiday break for you all!,you deserve it.

robert john dickson, Dundnald, Scotland

Mr. Gardner of Illinois: Traditionally, "liberal" has meant the policies of individual rights, spontaneous order, and a free market. Unfortunately, the term was co-opted by collectivists and it morphed into having negative meaning.
Congratulations France. May your country be on the road to greatness once again.

Lance, North Palm Beach, FL USA

God willing, Sarkozy will win, and finally rid that country of radical Islam. I say, "bring on the riots", and spill the rioter's blood in the streets. The only thing those people understand is brutal violence.

Ed, Sacramento,

I say let the malcontents have their riots. When that happens, the French police can go in there with riot gear and crack their heads open. If they hate France so much, (which by the way took care of them through welfare programs) let them go back to the third world hellholes ruled by their Al-Qaida inspired mentalities.

Peter , Cambridge, MA

"Thus today in America liberal means socialist. "

Well, maybe they should find themselves a dictionary.

Worst thing is, there are Brits who are interpreting it the same way now and are completely clueless about what the Liberal Democrats -really- stand for.

Anyway, so France will become another "great" nation, with a large gap between rich and poor, and lots of spending on arms. Huzzah!

starling, Lancaster,

If Sarkozy actually won , it means that we , the French do bahave like underdogs.It is just about people thinking the neighbour costs the society too much and they will never use one cent from the State.The harder shall we fall.

boudsocq, ste genevieve, france

It's not vive la france today for me. i'm a teacher and i really feel scared about what sarkozy is going to do to our national education and to teachers. of course there are obvious things to change in this country but damaging all of our institutions is not the solution...i'm afraid the people has decided, that's what democracy is all about isn't it? i guess i'll just have to be patient for 5 years. let's hope the legislative election in june will bring a shared and representative parliament.

Céline, strasbourg, france

Oh my god, I loved France, I thought that France was the best country... It was my country for 26 years.
And now I am so disappointed, afraid, and I am very ASHAMED to be french.
Poor France this is a "nouvelle dictature". Can somebody help us? No it is too late. French poeple are really....
I can't explain how I am sad...I would like to go away....

Nathalie, Cherbourg, France (unfortunately)

Bravo Sarkozy! You are the Best!

SIMONIAN, Beirut, LEBANON

Bad news for the poor underdogs in France. I hope the burden of power will mollify Sarkozy.

Joe Brown, Darlington, United Kingdom

Say that it is a victory in the first round. the second one being the parliament election next june. Without a parliament backing his politics a president is nothing or very few.

collard michel, Ivors, france

Long live the republic. Long live France.

David, Madrid, Spain

I just hope that the the massive turn out of people that registered to vote;did so because they want a woman president who happens to be on the right side of the issues.She can defenitly bring peace to France and to the rest of the world.Mother Earth needs desperately!!!!!!!!!!

sonia lerebours, new york, usa

if the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the car burning rioters was re-directed into worthwhile projects and honest "travailles" France could be even better than it already is.

jonathan charles gale, lymington, hampshire

Thank GOD. Maybe now France can become the great nation that supported the U.S. during WW2.

PALMA, NY, USA,NY

Finally, We as America can find an ally in France just as we were at the start of our nation. France has been on a down turn since it accepted the lefts wonderful plan for growth and prosperity. The French realized that growth and prosperity only come by hard work and perseverance. I am not expecting American and France to see eye to eye on everything, but this is a good start. Hopefully we can renew the alliance we once had. Best of luck to you France in your new found direction.

Edward M. Phillips Jr., Murfreesboro, TN

Congratulations to the French people! You rejected the desperate threats of Ms. Royal of insurrection if the people chose Sarkozy. I believe you made the right choice and have chosen the best leader for your future.

Robert, Dallas, Texas

Bravo! There is hope for modern civilisation.

Bob from Boston, Boston, MA

Congratulations France. This is good news indeed!
Stay with your principles, Sarko, and you and France will be all right!

William Hagerup, London,

Here it is.
We got our George W. Bush !!
French People, we should be happy !!
Actually I'm not, I'm scared we'll have to face a divided France for (at least) 5 years.
Anyway, now wait and see. We just have to examine what they'll do ...

Romain, Poitiers, France

Hello, I'm sorry to be looking after your news but I'm french and I want to explain you what I understand about the french elections.(I'm sorry but I've got a very poor level in english)
We HAve seen after the first elections (22 avril 2007) that M. Sarkozy has reach 30% and then we can be sure that he took the J-M. Le PEN's votes. He is from a right party (The UMP like M.Chirac) but noone wanted to demonstrate when Chirac has been elected. Tonight (the 06 May after 6hours of demonstrations) I could see PAris under the fire, violences wherever I could see some people, cars were light by fire, the police hitting people on the Bastille Place (were the french revolution has been done, what a nice symbol isn't it ?). I think u can see the news of France on news internet websites, and some poor videos.But I were there and I'm too sad this night then I was looking at u what did u can see about the France from other countries.

PJaquet, Paris, FRANCE

Viva the French -American friendship! God-bless the hard-working , honerable people of France.

felix, san francisco, usa/california

Actually, Mr. or Ms. Gardner, true liberals in the original sense embrace change for the better, not laws and polices that have proven to be a failure everywhere they are implemented. 55 years ago people who espoused the political philosophies that our current "liberals" like to use appeal to the masses, they were called National Socialists. In German, that was Nazi.

Matt, San Diego, Ca.

I love France and have been there several times and am presently studying French with the hope of living there for a year or so, now that I'm retired. I love the French for their inventiveness and love of technology, their culture and creativity, and I love the diversity I find among the people and the architecture, food and art in the various regions.

I'm also glad to see them taking the first definitive step toward getting themselves out of the socialist rut the have been in for too long.

Vive la France!

Wright Salisbury, Lexington, MA, USA

When Mme. Royal warned of riots if M. Sarkozy were elected, she was either guilty of incitement or was at least admitting that the rioters and criminals would be voting for her. Thank goodness 53% of the French people decided not to be intimidated into voting for the candidate of the muggers and vandals. Perhaps Sarkozy will be the Rudy Giuliani of France.

Pastor John, Pittsburgh, USA/PA

Jolly good news for everyone in Europe.

I'm really impressed by Sarkozy's rhetorical style anyway...He really has a touch of Richard of Gloucester, I should say... Did you know that he is going to spend the fifteen days or so before his official investiture as President in a monestery, reflecting about his future responsibility? :)

Marco, Venice, Italy

Good for France. Perhaps this character Sarzkozy can reform and modernize France in the way that Reagan reformed and modernized the United States, and in the way that Thatcher similarly revolutionized Britain. I guess, in the end, it is in the interest of the English-speaking peoples that France be revitalized. As we confront Iran's nuclear ambitions, and China's explosive growth, it is far better to have a friendly and prosperous France on the U.N. Security Council than a European country led by a hostile, bitter, resentful, and haughty anti-American leftist.

leonjamespage, Carlsbad, California

Finally a real politician that says out loud what we are all too afraid to say in case we offend

richard thury, Miami, usa

Huzzah!

Eclectic , San Francisco Bay Area, United States

Tragic for France

donald matson, acton, MA , usa

Done deal....

Mohammed Bentlemsani, Olympia, USA / WA

A Gardner

The common political usage you are talking about is just the American Left's twisting of language.

The original meaning of Liberal is pro free markets and individual rights. This was adopted by the American left to describe themselves in an attempt to hide their socialist agenda. Thus today in America liberal means socialist.

When the left says up they often mean down. You just have to keep up with them to understand what is happening.

You apparently did not.

rich

rich, Austin, TX

Now lets see the guy deliver! Those of us who live on the continent are used to French people who love the sound of their own rhetoric and also to nominal right-wingers with liberal (in the economic sense) programmes failing to deliver.

Christopher Gillibrand, Brussels in Exile, "Democratic" Belgium

If it turns out that Nicolas Sarkozy is the new president of France, his victory shall be a defeat inflicted on democracy. Nicolas Sarkozy has violated more than once the human rights when he was at the head of the Home Office. Moreover he claims that french people should not be ashamed of the Vichy's government, which has passed antisemitic laws. But indeed the socialists and the democrats can still restrict his power if they win the legislative elections in June : their victory is probable, for Nicolas Sarkozy has no political allies at all, and all the political leaders in the country are against him.

dom, Mulhouse, France

The French are at their 11th hour. They desparately needed a
strong figure like Mr. Sarkozy. May God bless him.

Gerri, St. Petersburg, FL

Good words but only the actions would prove your universal appeal.
Son of a Hungarian immigrant ! please donot ignore the plight of other immigrants in France.

Good luck

Abdul Jaleel (Dr. ), Darlington, United Kingdom

From my point of view it would be undemocratic that people starts rioting tonight! When you are voting, you express yourself and you don't need others expressions. Democracy is the expression of majority's minds and you have to respect it! Even if you disagree!

Amandine, sucy en brie, france

As an American who lived in Europe and felt betrayed by both Germany and France after 9/11 and Iraq, I want to salute the French people for picking a candidate that sees a world of individuals who thirst for liberty and self-worth - not socialist-leftist nanny-statism.

I hope this is also a recognition of the desperate situation regarding Muslim immigration into Europe. It's not the fact that they are Muslim; it is that they refuse to assimilate to your historic and grand culture, like to do in Britain and elsewhere in Europe.

And I must say I am very hopeful that this a true step back towards partnership with us in America. The ice did not thaw because of Global Warming or John Franciose Kerry or the Democrats in the Congress. The French reaffirmed their position as a powerful nation who will stand to defend the traditions of Western civilization and wipe away the rot of apathy and misdirection that socialism/communism brings.

Viva la France!

Aaron Arnwine, Landover, MD

I'm completely in favor of Sarkozy. We can see where liberalism and socialism has taken France - down a road to disaster.

In the meantime, Royal seems incapable of doing anything other than using blatant emotional attacks and childish appeal such as "Elect me, not him, because youths will revolt if he gets elected!" What a silly woman.

Benjamin Fan, Hsinchu, Taiwan

Let the "peaceful," "tolerant," "progressive" leftist riots begin.

Seattle Patriot, Seattle, USA

It's by time the French stop blaming the Americans and their fellow EU neighbors--and start taking a hard look at themselves. For Pete's sake, how can a country prosper in this day and age when you have people in India and China that work a LOT more (and better in my opinion) 35 hours a week?

Dan, Washington DC,

How can Sarkozy's reforms be considered "liberal" in the common political usage of the word. He is clearly right-wing, and his reforms would thus seem "conservative."

A. Gardner, Evanston, IL

Congratulations France, my best wishes go to you. It is a tough decision that you have made and, as recognised, the real (and difficult) work starts now. An electoral program that - if Mr Sarkozy stays true to his campaign principles - will create hardships and make him few friends (and several enemies) in the short term will be difficult to implement: particularly with a highly polarised political spectrum and a divisive leader. However, I have faith that Mr Sarkozy's programme of supply-side economic reform will be beneficial for the French economy given the high productivity and ingenuity of the French people. Despite his divisive nature, it is refreshing to read of a politician who is not afraid to speak from conviction -regardless of it making him 'unpopular' with many - and I hope that he can now take France as a whole with him into the future. Bonne chance!

Mike Nixon, London, United Kingdom

If sarkozy wins , we are very pessimistic for ours freedoms .

Laure Hantz , Strasbourg, France