France Elects U.S.-Friendly Conservative

Nicolas Sarkozy Vows Economic Reform, Improved Ties With U.S.

(CBS/AP)  Nicolas Sarkozy, a blunt and uncompromising pro-American conservative, was elected president of France Sunday with a mandate to chart a new course for an economically sluggish nation struggling to incorporate immigrants and the younger generations.

Sarkozy defeated Socialist Segolene Royal by by 53.06 percent to 46.94 percent with 84 percent turnout, according to final results released early Monday. It was a decisive victory for Sarkozy's vision of freer markets and toughness on crime and immigration, over Royal's gentler plan for preserving cherished welfare protections, including a 35-hour work week that Sarkozy called "absurd."

"The people of France have chosen change," Sarkozy told cheering supporters in a victory speech that sketched out a stronger global role for France and renewed partnership with the United States.

CBS News correspondent Sheila MacVicar says the son of Hungarian immigrants comes to power with the French economy stagnant, resentment simmering in the immigrant-dominated suburbs, and France sidelined on the world stage. He also faces a centuries-old friendship with America in dire need of repair after stark disagreement over the war Iraq.

In his victory speech, Sarkozy reached out to the United States.

The U.S. can "count on our friendship," Sarkozy declared, adding that "friendship means accepting that friends can have different opinions."

He urged the United States to take the lead on climate change and said the issue would be a priority for France.

"A great nation, like the United States, has a duty not to block the battle against global warming but — on the contrary — to take the lead in this battle, because the fate of the whole of humanity is at stake," Sarkozy said.

The White House said President Bush had called to congratulate Sarkozy, who is largely untested in foreign policy but may represent a positive change for Mr. Bush — having shown a desire to break from the trans-Atlantic tension of the Chirac era.

Despite fears that the impoverished suburban housing projects, home to Arab and African immigrants and their French-born children, would erupt over the victory of a man who labeled those responsible for rioting in 2005 as "scum," protests were scattered.

Scattered protests erupted in Paris and across France, leaving several people injured. Police in riot gear lined up in defensive positions as demonstrators burned vehicles and trash bins in Toulouse, southwest France (seen at left).

Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds and some shops were damaged, but there were no reports of large-scale violence anywhere in France.

Sarkozy's abrasive style during the 2005 riots raised doubts over whether the son of a Hungarian refugee could truly unite the increasingly diverse and polarized nation.

He pledged in his victory speech to be president "of all the French, without exception." But that task will not be easy. The 52-year-old former interior minister inherits a nation losing faith in itself, paralyzed by worries over globalization, bitter at American dominance and saddled with social tensions.

Late Sunday, small bands of youths hurled stones and other objects at police at the Place de la Bastille in Paris, who fired volleys of tear gas.

For all his determination and talk of change, Sarkozy also is certain to face resistance from powerful unions to his plans to make the French work more and make it easier for companies to hire and fire.

"Like Thatcher in Britain, like Reagan in the United States, Sarkozy will change things," said supporter Thierry Gauvert, 55.

In some European capitals, Sarkozy's victory inspired hope that he might lend a decisive hand to efforts to salvage the European Union's hopes of greater integration, largely on ice since French and Dutch voters rejected a proposed EU constitution in 2005.

Royal's program seemed more in line with the policies pursued under the outgoing Jacques Chirac — who is from Sarkozy's own party, the Union for a Popular Movement. Chirac, 74, held the presidency for 12 years but failed repeatedly to push through reforms.

The handover of power ushers in a president from a new generation, who has no memory of World War II and waged the country's first high-octane Internet campaign.

Royal, an unmarried mother of four, would have been France's first female president. Her defeat could throw her party into disarray, with splits between those who say it must remain firm to its leftist traditions and others who want a shift to the political center like socialist parties elsewhere in Europe.

Conceding minutes after polls closed, Royal said her campaign had launched a "profound renewal of political life, of its methods and of the left ... What we tried to do for France will bear fruit, I am sure."

Cracks immediately started appearing in the Socialist Party, which now must try to regroup ahead of June legislative elections that Sarkozy's party must win to give him the majority he needs to reform.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, a Socialist former finance minister, noted that it was his party's third consecutive defeat in presidential elections.

"The left has never been so weak, because the French left has still not renewed itself," he said.

Sarkozy — for whom the presidency has been a near-lifelong quest — will formally take over Chirac on the very last day of his term, May 16. Sarkozy aide Francois Fillon, a favorite to be the prime minister, said that for a few days from Monday, Sarkozy plans "to withdraw to somewhere in France to decompress a little" and to prepare his government team.

[oae8586]

I went to an american boarding school in Druex France in the early 60's. I did not leave with a very favorable impression. I don't blame them because that was back when we were the ugly americans. I look forward to becoming friends again. As for the gentlemen that asks "What did Mexico do that the U.S. never did, defeat the French." My question to you is, where was Mexico when the U.S. stood toe to toe whith the French to defeat the Germans, "twice".

[processor2]

Looking forward to 2008, so we can get rid of the Socialists in the USA, that were elected in 2006.

...

[processor2]

Looking forward to 2008, so we can get rid of the Socialists in the USA, that were elected in 2006.

...

[randalds]

CORRECTION: France believed they were there as well, but chose diplomacy over military action. The New York Times ran a story highlighting that even Saddam's closest Generals thought they had WMDs up until three days before the invasion. That's fine if you don't agree with the war, however, don't try to put your liberal cliches across as facts.
Posted by france1996 at 02:08 PM : May 07, 2007

CORRECTION: France thought he MIGHT have them, MAYBE, but said the evidence was extremely weak and was not enough to go to war over, which is why they stayed away from Bush's insanity and preferred diplomacy. Let's get it right now. Most European nations thought the information was way too weak, including Germany, Italy and even Great Britain (though their poodle PM yapped and yapped and jumped in Bush's lap).

[lars008-2009]

the frogs right turn..... lol

now what country with the left wingnuts move to...

hahahahaha

Sarkozy presidential win paves way for radical reform in France
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070507102442.ylgq09dm&show_article=1
Police battle anti-Sarkozy protesters
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21684341-38200,00.html?from=public_rss
Europe readies for Sarko and Angie show
http://mobile.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L07124140.htm?=amp&_lite_=1

[france1996]

"When Bush used the 'weapons of mass destruction' lie"

CORRECTION: France believed they were there as well, but chose diplomacy over military action. The New York Times ran a story highlighting that even Saddam's closest Generals thought they had WMDs up until three days before the invasion. That's fine if you don't agree with the war, however, don't try to put your liberal cliches across as facts.

[lochlan-2009]

Americans don't even understand the whole freedom fries etc. when it comes to France. When Bush used the 'weapons of mass destruction' lie to pull a Pearl Harbor/WW II deal with the Sept. 11 incident on Iraq, the U.S. stated that the Yellow Cake came from Africa. France new straight out this was a lie since they are the country in charge of mining and enriching the Uranium that comes from Africa and they knew it was one of their officials (Rocco Martino) who forged the paperwork. Not to mention this was a slap in the face to France, since we were essentially saying France was incapable of preventing terrorists from getting their hands on nuclear material. Well, we all no what happens to people who can prove the Iraq lie (i.e. Valerie Plame). The sad thing is this information is openly available over the internet if you do your research, and yet not one news agency, not one reporter, has put the whole picture together in an easy to chew story for the general public.

[bigsk8fan]

"The post should have read...wouldn't it be nice if we elected a U.S. Friendly Conservative in the U.S." Posted by ozilot

So true. The conservative we have in office doesn't even support his own troops. He vetoed the military funding act. He hasn't done anything to fix the military health system or Walter Reed Hospital. He let more damage and loss of life occur in New Orleans than was necessary. But then, all these folks are poor Americans. Can't help him much with his oil buddies, except to die for them.

[france1996]

My wife is French, we have traveled there every year for the past 12 years, and we speak to friends and relatives there on a weekly basis. No, Sarkozy is not as conservative as what we consider conservative in the US, however, he is a drastic change from previous leaders. Trust me, from first hand experience I know the French are fed up with having their country taken over by immigrants and of supporting the socialistic programs which draw them there. Liberals here in the US like to think they are European in their thinking, but nothing could be further from the truth. Europeans, and especially the French, are very outspoken about immigrants and do not walk the politically correct fence that this country does. Electing Sarkozy had nothing to do with supporting Bush or the Iraq war. The people of France want their country back, they want a more flexible and robust economy, and they want a harder stance against violence and crime.

[neoconrcrazy]

You know, even the French are fighting in Afghanistan now and doing a fine job by the way.
Posted by hillaryin08

Yeah, that was where Al-Qaeda was before Bushit deserted, called on Nato, and began colonizing Iraq. Now we've them in Iraq where they weren't before and a newly recruited Taliban coming back
in Afghistan.

Real smart guy bullbushit is.....

[neoconrcrazy]

His/her posts are all anger, tunnel-vision and prejudice; basically, the attitude that anything he or she disagrees with, and anyone who disagrees, is "liberal". He or she lacks any real comprehension of what "liberal" actually means;

Posted by jimibear

You are right Jimi - hillory doesn't even know the nuances between european socialism and conservatism - totally ignorant - therefore not a worthwhile discussion partner - maybe we should speak about him in german, in order not to offend his sensibilities? Er ist der grvsste Arschloch in den Vereinigten Staten, nicht wahr?

As I was aying, the affiliation between the european and american parties is best described like this;

Nader would be considered an european socialist

Clinton would be considered an european conservative

Bush is considered a complete ignoramus without any comparable political party exept maybe the French "Front Nationale", an extreme right-wing racist national group.

[jimibear]

I have no problem at all with anyone being in Afghanistan. As I've said before (and someone else said, I see) that's where the terrorists were and where the war should be fought.

We had and have international support there, even from other Muslim governments. The Iraq war, though, has nothing to do with terrorism and everything to do with money, oil and power.

[bigsk8fan]

"You know, even the French are fighting in Afghanistan now and doing a fine job by the way." Posted by hillaryin08

No problems with Afghanistan. The real war on terror is there, not Iraq. Afghanistan's Taliban protected Al Qaeda who was responsible for 9/11 under George W Bush's time in the White House. No French in Iraq, No Canadians, No Mexican, get the idea?

USA and the World have difficulties with GWB taking this illegal war to Iraq.

[hillaryin08]

jimibear, how nice of you to re-surface for this historical event. I thought maybe you picked up a rifle and headed out to Afghanistan or Iraq to hep defeat the enemys of freedom and the U.S.

You know, even the French are fighting in Afghanistan now and doing a fine job by the way.

[bigsk8fan]

"Who said anything about Iraq or Bush? Deal with it Liberal..." Posted by hillaryin08

"Wow, Socialism defeated in France? This is bad news for American Democrats." Posted by hillaryin08

Sorry, but you continue to be a barrel of laughs. You did bring up reference to USA Democrats. So USA politics are in line. Deal with it Neocon.

[jimibear]

I wouldn't waste your time on hillaryin08. He/she is one of the prime and longstanding dimwits who post here. His/her posts are all anger, tunnel-vision and prejudice; basically, the attitude that anything he or she disagrees with, and anyone who disagrees, is "liberal". He or she lacks any real comprehension of what "liberal" actually means; it's just as meaningful as when the same ignorant baboons supported McCarthy and yelled "Commie!" back in the 1950s. They didn't know what it meant either.

Dealing with NeoCons is like trying to have a conversation with Kevin Kline's character "Otto" from "A Fish Called Wanda". They are so cataclysmically dumb and ignorant that it's impossible for an intelligent, informed person to find any common ground.

[inventagod2]

Just wonder what this cost US taxpayers?
I believe I smell the stench of Karl Rove and the CIA...

Maybe Bu$h is dedicated to re-defining the word 'CONservative' to 'radical-right-wing'...

[hillaryin08]

Who said anything about Iraq or Bush? This is a great moment in world history as big as the collapse of Communist Russia.

Deal with it Liberal......

[bigsk8fan]

"Strike a nerve liberal? Your mecca just collapsed." Posted by hillaryin08

So few words. I think the nerve struck is your own. Must be pretty embarrassing to show that you think French Conservative equates to USA Conservative. This guy is on record as being wary of Bush (to say the least). So now I can't wait to see your next posting.

[hillaryin08]

The only thing worse than this for the Democrats is when we knock off Zawahri