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.

[pwrslm]

Looks like the little duckies are lining up behind the USA after all.

Shirac was a socialists, so this will be a breath of fresh air to the French who truely value freedom.

[tmonta1]

First of all, it's Chirac, not Shirac. Secondly, he was never a socialist but of the UMP party (that's right-wing; socialists are on the LEFT). Thirdly, the poster obviously has no inkling of French mentality, culture, or politics but seems to be knee-jerking in reaction to a single press article.

And finally, America has given up so much freedom under the Bush administration that it is ludicrous--even delusional-- to suggest that the notion of 'truly valuing' freedom is one still held in the USA. We are in no position to hold ourselves up as examples or to lecture other nations on their systems or purported shortcomings.

High time this country took the beam out of its own eye before arrogantly gloating at the specks in others'.

[fredgrad2000]

tmonta - America IS still the protector of freedom in this world and the country that has liberated more people from tyranny than all others COMBINED. The French themselves would be either Nazis or Soviets if it hadn't been for us throughout the 20th Century. We have NOT surrendered any essential freedoms during the Bush administration, that's standard MoveOn.org talking points right there, not fact. Only to the looney left who don't believe we're actually in a war do the necessary policies we have adopted in legislation like the Patriot Act (which are far less restricting than those in Britain and other European countries) constitute "giving up our freedoms"...if you hate your nation so much, and consider us such a tyrannical place now, LEAVE!!

[processor2]

The big liberal lie is that Bush has taken away freedoms/rights????
TOTAL B.S. I'm just as free today as I was 7 years ago. Liberals are nuts

If you want to ask anybody about losing their civil rights, just ask the survivors of Waco from the 1990's.

...

[processor2]

The BIG liberal LIE is that Bush has taken away freedoms/rights????
TOTAL B.S. I'm just as free today as I was 7 years ago. Liberals are nuts

If you want to ask anybody about losing their civil rights, just ask the survivors of Waco from the 1990's.

...

[rhs648]

Some will be upset with a French President who is favorable to the United States. This is apt to upset Americans who believe we are responsible for the world's problems. If charity begins at home, we must pursue policies that support our interests. Believe it or not, this is what other countries do.

[retmilspouse]

tmonta1,
Since you are into correcting others mistakes, that would be a gleam in our eye not a "beam" genius. And the only problem we have in the USA is with people like you who think that we are the problem in the worlds troubles. When in fact we are the one that every other country turns to for help, advice and of course monetary support. That is because we are the most generours with our time, talents and pocketbooks. Take your whinning somewhere else and to quote fredgrad2000 "...if you hate your nation so much, and consider us such a tyrannical place now, LEAVE!!"

[rhs648]

Self-hate is something Americans have to take a close look at. To hear some, we are the root of all evil. There is no other country that offers greater freedom, greater individual rights, and more opportunity. Do we have faults? Of course we do. Unlike Turkey where you can be held in jail for long periods of time without counsel, we provide rights greater than any other country. In spite of mistakes, we are still the greatest and most powerful country in the worls. Just ask illegal immigrants who risk life and limb to be here.

[rhs648]

Why not cry over the presidential election of 1812. There have been many contested elections and all kinds of games played including the counting of deceased persons and their votes. Crying over the past doesn't solve today's problems.

[wayfedup]

Unlike Turkey where you can be held in jail for long periods of time without counsel,

We DO THIS NOW, thanks to Bush/Cheney/Rove/Rice/Rumsfeld&Co.!!!!

[vincicom]

I'm French ... so excuse my english ! USA is a great country but with some bad aspects ! That's not because you free Europe that you are for the rest of time the only country than we have to love ! If USA has come in Europe and in France, that is also because there are a lot of advantage for you : money, capitalism/liberalism, to sell your movies, your music, etc ... It was not a gift and a "moment of pleasure" for you : that was also to beat the Nazis ( they had started a big big country ) and to beat the Soviets ! Although, sometimes we love to hate you, I can say than the reste of time, for a large part of us, we love your lifestyle ! If the USA goes to Iraq, that is also because there are petroleum to "rob" ! Another bad aspect : you want that Europe and France follow you every time, but you do nothing for thank us ! You cheat when a buyers want fighter aircrafts ( Singapor, UK, ... ), you do anything to block Airbus ( A380 ), etc ... our friendship is not "free" ! You should be more open with your allies and less cheating if you want that we love you more ! Lot of people ask just that you be less aggressive and that you take our opinions from time to time !

[gwlafayette]

paris is about to be set on fire by african nazis and all you guys whine about is our retarded prez. the self-hate that americans have is an even bigger problem in france. the natives are being oppressed by uninvited guests that receive generous government money and spit in their face. stop complaining about bush and stop hating the french. if you need to hate someone, then hate the ones who are attacking us.

[a11coo11]

Funny the only freedom i've lose is well I can't think of. Tap my phone, search my house, go through my personal information, but that would be a waste of time. It's a hassle to get through the border & board a plane, but that's not our governments fault. We have to give up some freedoms (none that affect me) to protect us from those who would take it from us. Hey, France they know whats going on.

[rhs648]

Unlike Turkey where you can be held in jail for long periods of time without counsel,

We DO THIS NOW, thanks to Bush/Cheney/Rove/Rice/Rumsfeld&Co.!!!!
Posted by wayfedup

We still have the same civil rights as always. Ameicans are still entitled to lawyers and trials and appeals. The exception may be Americans who are caught fighting with the insurgents. They, my friend, are war criminals and should be treated as such. Further, what we do with insurgents on foreign soil is not that same as what is done with Americans in America. To my knowledge, our constitution does not extend to foreign enemies.

[one_american]

This is a crucial vote for France.

They will either take control of their own destiny and clean up the scourge of Islamic Supremecists that have invaded their country -with a more conservative leader, or they will continue to be a country of surrender-monkeys as they have been for generations - with a weak, pandering, female socialist/communist.

[sdb101-2009]

It appears Sarkozy has won in their 'update', but they didn't seem to confirm it in their story.

Hopefully Sarkozy crushes the rioters and expels the troublemakers from France.

[tmonta1]

Retmilspouse (I suppose that's short for 'retired military spouse'?)

It's actually 'beam', sweetie--Biblical reference about removing the beam in your own eye before you criticize the speck in others'. You lose.

France just elected Sarkozy President by a margin of 53 to 47 percent, FYI...

I will not comment on the 'Go USA we are the World Leaders in Freedom' rants, as it's only yelling into a crowd of delusional vigilantes. I'll just remind you that the French saved our behinds during the American revolution and we will only 'rule the playground' for as long as we've got allies on our side. Calling them 'little duckies' is arrogant and insulting, but 6 years of Bush have shown you that this is ok behavior.

And by the way: as an American, it is my right and responsibility to defend the ideals on which this country was built--not those it has fallen victim to due to a corrupt Administration and blind people who let fear brainwash them into throwing away their votes.

Arrogance and hatred are bringing this nation down. These responses only prove it.

Have a nice day..and maybe try and remember what it REALLY means to be American--or used to.

[lorinkundert]

Congratulations to the people of France for finally recognizing the dangers of socialism, hopefully the US does the same in 2008.

[tmonta1]

The comments here somewhat bewilder me...'finally recognizing the danger of socialism?' People, the last Socialist President of France was Frangois Mitterrand, and he left office in '95, and the 'right' has held legislative power since 2002. The French have just elected Jacques Chirac's Interior Minister who was endorsed by Chirac himself (and by the way, his margin is diminishing. Tv just announced 52.7% for Sarkozy; all votes haven't been counted but in any case it won't be enough to change the outcome).

This is the same Interior Minister who presided over the suburban riots, by the way, and who has been both lauded and criticized for his response to them, as well as implicated as one of the causes. The unrest did evolve and escalate on his watch, after all.

The French will be getting more of the same, and it isn't (nor has it been) socialist. Last week an 8-year old and a ten year-old were required to give their DNA and had it put on permanent file because they stole a Tamogotchi (sp?) from a store--Sarkozy law. I am watching the future evolution of France with much trepidation.

One thing at least the US would do well to emulate if at all possible: socialized medicine. Excellent health care. A shame that greed and abuse are fast drying up that well; they should look to the misery in the US in this area and learn a lesson and save what they've got going for them.

[secundus2]

Mme. Royal lost and M. Sarkozy didn't lose because her anti-Americanism didn't work this time (it usually does in France), because she supported the 35-hour week with great social benefits without a plan to pay for such entitlements, and because she tried to blame the violence of rioters on him. Badly run campaign.

[rafterman1]

===Arrogance and hatred are bringing this nation down. These responses only prove it. Have a nice day..and maybe try and remember what it REALLY means to be American--or used to.===

Well, when we in America have a president who acts like a communist, what do you expect? But after six years of Bush, you would think the French would have learned what a disaster having a conservative government is. Hopefully. Mr Sarkozy is more competent than our glorious leader.

[fredgrad2000]

Sarkozy is from Chirac's own party - Chirac was a "conservative" and he sure didn't support the US or our current administration - French conservatism is only slightly to the right of MoveOn.org - their foreign policy won't change much...they'll still attempt to pretend they're still a world power even though the times passed them by on that front long ago.

[bellal-2009]

Let's hope he cracks down on radical islamic militants.

[tasmhs]

This is a victory for the whole world, not just France or the U.S. Warmer relations between these two countries makes the world a safer place. The election of Royal would have been an unmitigated disaster. Appeasement of Muslim thugs is not the answer. I support Sarkozy's campaign of law and order. A harsh crackdown on immigration and Islamic terrorists is needed. Vive le France!

[toolmangler-2009]

Posted by Rafterman1 at 03:40 PM : May 06, 2007


HiYa' raft. haven't seen you for a while.

[xzavierbrown]

**Arrogance and hatred are bringing this nation down. These responses only prove it.

Have a nice day..and maybe try and remember what it REALLY means to be American--or used to.


Posted by tmonta1 at 02:31 PM : May 06, 2007
+ report abuse**

is the liberal media STILL TELLING YOU what arrogance and hatred SHOULD BE?

just like 'being an american", those 2 had to be dictated to you by the likes of Moore.

[pwrslm]

Thank God for the French!!

Now to root the corruption out of the existing government and replace them with people who will uphold the standards of freedom and truth.

[gwlafayette]

i did it!

youre welcome

[adian1-2009]

Monsieur Sarkozy has won the French Presidency. I have been following the campaign through the internet and it seems to me that the French picked up the right option, not only to option to the right. Mr. Sarkozy seems to intend to mend relations with the US. Let us pray that Bush, who happens to be the ablest alieanator of sympathies worldwide, does not spoil it again!!! Good relations with France offer a lot to win and nothing to loose. So, Bush, please do not spoil it again. You have created enough disrespect for our nation already!

[feelfree1]

Re: "Nicolas Sarkozy Wins French Election"

Another ********* fascist takes power. Oh well. You can't win them all.

[fascistusa]

Get your copy of The Anarchist Cookbook.

Easily Downloadable online.


The time is near to Free America from this FASCIST REGIME.

How could the French be so stupid to put a nazi in charge?? Oh, Yeah. Fake elections.

[rafterman1]

===Now to root the corruption out of the existing government and replace them with people who will uphold the standards of freedom and truth.===

We're hoping for the same thing here in America in November 2008.

[rafterman1]

===is the liberal media STILL TELLING YOU what arrogance and hatred SHOULD BE? just like 'being an american", those 2 had to be dictated to you by the likes of Moore.===

No, anyone with eyes and ears the last six years can figure it out for themselves.

[cfin5]

Hurrah for the french people!! Best wishes to you and your country!

[tomar0317]

Congrats France! I'm happy to see the French standing up for what they're in need of, a leader. I hope the relations btwn our country's now head into better pastures. You have done your part, it's up to our government, led by our idiot president who doesn't pay attention to us, the people.

[pwrslm]

We're hoping for the same thing here in America in November 2008.

Posted by Rafterman1 at 08:55 PM : May 06, 2007


so, what do you propose, take you out, shoot you, and that solves the problems you imagine exist...sure.... you expect hillary comrade of billy the pervert to save you...what a stupid plan.

only if we want communism here, the socialist movement controls the Demoncrap party...thats how Billy Clinton grasped onto power even though he was a morally defunct pigeon for China and ignorance (another state that the Demoncraps claim we should save)

[sdb101-2009]

This is a victory for the whole world, not just France or the U.S. Warmer relations between these two countries makes the world a safer place. The election of Royal would have been an unmitigated disaster. Appeasement of Muslim thugs is not the answer. I support Sarkozy's campaign of law and order. A harsh crackdown on immigration and Islamic terrorists is needed. Vive le France!
Posted by tasmhs
--

Well said, I agree. Congrats Sarkozy, Vive le France!

[toolmangler-2009]

Last week an 8-year old and a ten year-old were required to give their DNA and had it put on permanent file because they stole a Tamogotchi (sp?) from a store--Sarkozy law
Posted by tmonta1 at 03:26 PM : May 06, 2007


George Orwell (Eric Blair) wrote so many books and articles about the impending World Government so long ago that most people are quite blase` over the prophecy. Never fear, everybody will get their chance to study them in action.

[xzavierbrown]

===is the liberal media STILL TELLING YOU what arrogance and hatred SHOULD BE? just like 'being an american", those 2 had to be dictated to you by the likes of Moore.===

No, anyone with eyes and ears the last six years can figure it out for themselves.
Posted by Rafterman1 at 08:58 PM : May 06, 2007
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Funny that is about how long is been taking the liberals in TRYING TO IMPEACH the president. figured out any allegations that would stick?

Bush is your enemy and a terrorist is your friend..as the saying goes "your enemy's enemy is your friend".

[booyaw_77]

Heard he was into muffdive'n.

[rhs648]

A conservative is elected president of France. Members of the left-wing riot and protest. Does this mean that the left only supports democracy and the vote when their candidates win? Could this be true of the left in America? It seems like the left screams voter fraud whenever their candidates lose. Please note the lack of vulgarity and name calling in this post.

[retmilspouse]

"Lot of people ask just that you be less aggressive and that you take our opinions from time to time!"

vincicom,
If we did that back during WWII you guys would be speaking German right now.

[retmilspouse]

tmonta1,
I'll apologize for the error on the biblical reference. Yes I am a retired military spouse. Is that a problem? Are you trying to place me into some kind of stereo type? Just keep your liberal personal attack rants to yourself. I can sleep quite well at night with my beliefs, how about you?

[bigdadpatrio]

Unfortunately, that is exactly the way the left reacts when their candidate(s) lose. It appears France does have a similarity to th USA in that respect. Here, when the "left" loses they cry and moan for YEARS and seem to never get over it. THEN they let loose with pure hate and venom (like I haven't seen in 20 years) and vile name calling against all those who disagree or oppose them or their views. What's funny is THEY are supposed to be the party of inclusiveness, of tolerance, of respect. Isn't that a joke. The Democratic left is NOTHING like that! It's SAD.

[canyoutellme-2009]

Uhm.. congrats to the new french president.. i'm a LIBERAL on the left and am not complaining! So, take that BIGDADPATRIO... lol

btw, did anyone catch that the new CONSERVATIVE French president is for FIGHTING global warming?? something the "conservatives" here in America believe doesn't exist? or need fixing for that matter? Seems to me that the idea of "conservatism" in france is different than it is here in America? Sounds like it's more LIBERAL than here... interesting.. Also, the CONSERVATIVES here were the ones blasting France for the way it reacts to everything... they blasted ALL their people.. and suddenly they like one now? LOL talk about two faced.

anywho.. congrats!

[booyaw_77]

"A conservative is elected president of France. Members of the left-wing riot and protest. Does this mean that the left only supports democracy and the vote when their candidates win? Could this be true of the left in America? It seems like the left screams voter fraud whenever their candidates lose. Please note the lack of vulgarity and name calling in this post."

The vast right wing movement the world seems to be experiencing right now, I assure you, is only a freak. In time, people all around the world will come to recognize the genius of liberalism. And you know why? Because of the motor mouth. A right wing "conservative" is a motormouth, plain and simple. In fact, its what will be come to be known as what did in Bush. Limbaugh? O'Reilly? And all those others whose conservative ideals were simply too much for their minds to handle, without inventing some talk show.. and boring people to death with it.

Although there are some aspects of the conservative idealism that I admire, they're just too orgasmic. And cannot be contained by rational people.

[tmonta1]

What strikes me is the press coverage of Sarkozy since he won this election. All of a sudden in the US press, he's "pro-American'. Believe me, he did not campaign on that. Foreign policy was sadly absent in this campaign so it will be interesting to see what happens.

But I'm relieved to see he's already stated (article above ) that 'friends of the US can also have different opinions' and that he's called on the US to finally take responsibility for its role in global warming and pollution.

RetMilSpouse,

Putting you 'in a stereotype'? Isn't that what you're doing in calling me a liberal?

There ARE American conservatives who do not support Bush. He has divided this country and I believe it's irreparable. Those who stand up for the Constitutional rights he has overridden or trampled simply because HE 'thinks it's necessary' are treated as traitors by the likes of you.

A citizen's first obligation is to his Constitution, and it is the President's duty to respect, protect and uphold it. When he overrides what our Founding Fathers died for, he is no longer worthy of the office he holds.

You, as every other citizen, are entitled to your opinion and I respect that. But given the divergence and violence of opinion in this country it is difficult to imagine that 'E Pluribus Unum' ('Out of many, one' ) will ever exist again in the USA. And that is tragic.

[randalds]

I get a real chuckle when I see people on the right applauding the election of a "conservative" in France. In France there are only two kinds of politicians, those that are very very very liberal (the Socialists) and those that are only very very liberal (the Conservatives). Even the most conservative of the members of the Conservative party are still somewhere far to the Left of Micheal Moore.

[susanhelit]

Of course, France's version of "Conservative" bears little if any resemblance to our American conservatives - whether you talk about the real ones, or Bush's corrupted and non-conservative variety. It's kinda like being a Texas democrat, or a San Francisco republican, only worse.


Sounds like a good choice of leader though - they do need someone to pull them back from some of the very socialist and anti-business policies, and this leader sounds like he also knows the importance of keeping the good liberal traditions they have.

[randalds]

Sounds like a good choice of leader though - they do need someone to pull them back from some of the very socialist and anti-business policies, and this leader sounds like he also knows the importance of keeping the good liberal traditions they have.
Posted by SusanHelit at 02:00 AM : May 07, 2007

Surprise surprise, here's one we agree on. Looks to me like he was the best choice. I think that precisely because, as you say, he understands about keeping many of the liberal traditions in France, rather then trying to force change that most of the nation will not support.