This ought to be fun to watch-for a couple of weeks now, all of the major conservative papers ( even my own beloved Economist) have viewed this possible development as a sign of financial Armageddon for Europe.
With about half the votes counted, preliminary results released by the Interior Ministry shortly after the last polling stations closed at 8 p.m. showed Mr. Hollande had secured about 51 percent of the vote, while Mr. Sarkozy, of the center-right Union for a Popular Movement, had about 49 percent. The results were slightly closer than expected.
“François Hollande is the president of the republic; he must be respected,” Mr. Sarkozy said in a gracious concession speech shortly after the polls closed. “I want to wish him good luck in the midst of these tests.”
Mr. Sarkozy thanked “the millions of French who voted for me,” but said he accepted “total responsibility” for Sunday’s results.
“My involvement in the life of my country will be different now,” Mr. Sarkozy said. “But time will never weaken the ties between us.”
Speaking earlier to members of his party, Mr. Sarkozy, who campaigned energetically to the end, told them to “remain united” and not give in to division. He said he would not lead the party into June’s legislative elections but said they were “winnable.”
“I become a citizen among you,” he added.
I am not as pessimistic as those representing the interests of the rich bastards the austerity freaks who are forcing the poison down the throat of all the major European Governments. Hollande is not a fool-he knows that France is committed to the survival of the Euro and strengthening the economy of Europe as a whole. What his election does send a message about is that-it doesn't have to be all about pain without gain. The usual suspects-the rogue's gallery of conservative idiots and pundits will argue otherwise-but it seems to me that the French showed some good sense today.
It probably did not help Sarkozy that his love life became public knowledge either. The French don't begrudge their President a mistress or two ( unlike our tight ass, and overly prudish American electorate)-but they do ask that he exercise a little discretion.
Be interesting to see if the new Mrs Sarkozy sticks around now. 🙂
Good Job France!