After the first round of the local french presidential elections, we are back to a traditional Right/Left opposition (after the right/extreme right in 2002). The specific about France is that these two positions relate to 2 different visions of our french society. I am not sure that it is the case in the US where Democrats and Republicans share on single vision about their country. My US friends would know better.
The good news is that we will have a new generation in power. Remember that Jacques Chirac (the current president), François Mitterand (the former one) started their careers in the 60’s and the 50’s. I am looking forward to a little more pragmatism in the management of our country.
Turnout soared. In English on France24
Nicolas Sarkozy captured 31,1% of the votes, a little less than 11 million people.
Segolene Royal captured 25,8% of the votes.
More on the French political process
Estimates from France2, which provided a very good coverage of the evening.
More info: LCI
The first poll for the second round, revealed by France2, says Sarkozy 54% – Royal 46%.