Sarkozy voters expect change after French election

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

PARIS, May 6 (Reuters) Ecstatic supporters hailed Nicolas Sarkozy's presidential election triumph today as the start of an era of change that would revive France's fortunes.

About 13,000 party workers and well-wishers packed into a meeting hall in central Paris sang the national anthem, booed Sarkozy's defeated Socialist rival Segolene Royal and chanted victory even before the result was announced.

The hall erupted in a deafening roar when the first official estimate appeared on a giant screen. Friends hugged, others bounced up and down wildly, and many took photographs with their mobile phones held high above their heads.

A large banner in the red-white-and-blue of the national flag was unfurled from a balcony with the inscription: ''Sarkozy President''.

Outside, supporters sporting blue Sarkozy campaign T-shirts and campaign balloons cheered, waved banners, blew horns and lit red distress flares when the first official estimate announced a clear victory.

''It means change, very rapid change, and a France that at last will start earning money and return to being one of the world leaders,'' said Fanny Klochendler, 29, a dog stylist.

David Lubrati, 52, who works in the French fashion industry, said Sarkozy's victory would have an impact beyond France's borders.

''I think it's going to mean a great deal of change for France and all of the European countries. We really needed to get everyone back to work,'' he said.

Michel Meyer, 46, who runs a business consultancy, said the change may not be felt immediately.

''I think that for a year or so France may hesitate a bit, but in the end, like in Britain 15 or 20 years ago under (former Prime Minister Margaret) Thatcher, we will take off for five to 10 years of growth at four to five per cent, not one or two percent,'' he said.

The constant jeering of Royal was explained by her harsh criticism of Sarkozy before today's vote. She said his election would be dangerous for democracy and could lead to unrest in France's tense suburbs.

''If she'd been less harsh, perhaps the gap would have been narrower,'' Lubrati said.

Reuters ABM VP0332

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