Sarkozy defeats the Socialist Party candidate Segolene Royal

May 07: Following weeks of campaigning and a tough contest for the presidential seat in France, Nicolas Sarkozy eventually comes out as victorious in the ninth presidential elections of fifth French Republic. Sarkozy, who is also popular as Sarko, defeated his arch rival and Socialist Party candidate, Segolene Royal. The forthcoming President of France, at the moment is looking forward for a conservative regime and a reformist government. The victory of Sarkozy on Sunday is seen by many as the victory of the reformists.

The 52-year old French leader defeated Royal, in a stiff competition with 53.06 per cent votes, compared to Royal’s 46.94 per cent. The voter turnout was observed to be 84 per cent, giving a clear reformist message and after two successive terms served by President Jacques Chirac.

Sarkozy started his political career in 1977 when he was just 22 years old. He has been a brilliant performer, his fame initially shot high as he became the youngest Mayor of a wealthy suburb Neuiily-sur-seine, Paris. Eleven years after he entered politics he became the deputy of National Assembly. Sarkozy has also held several cabinet posts in his career. For two years he was the Minister of budget. In Chirac’s government he held the post of Interior Minister. In 2004 Sarkozy became the president of UMP party with 85% vote.

This is a victory founded on programme which promises tough policing, anti- immigration laws, fewer taxes and a renewed work-culture. Sarkozy, as it is hoped will try to stress on the reforms in political and economic milieu, in France. He is considered as a protagonist of the forthcoming liberal movements in France. Convincing points of Sarkozy have been the control of increasing unemployment which is around 8 per cent in France and other economic and social reforms. This will definitely change the nature of French economy, which is very well reflected by the defeat of socialists.

Sarkozy has approved of healthy relations with U.S. At the same time the leader disapproved the US invasion on Iraq. He favours European constitution and in a way political integration of Europe. In 2005, on the occasion of referendum on European Constitution, he voted in its support.

His policies of doing away with all social securities and pension schemes which are in present scenario a burden on French state, have invoked his critics to label him an authoritarian demagogue. He is accused of adopting populist policies by the Left. Whatever, the turnout and the margins predict a long time for his serving the office.