Christian Science Monitor: After first-round elections, a clear choice for France
With a near-record 84 percent turnout, French voters send two presidential candidates with vividly contrasting visions – and characters – to the May 6 runoff.
PARIS – On May 6 France faces its first real presidential choice in 12 years: Nicolas Sarkozy wants to shake the French system to its core by establishing an entrepreneurial spirit and better ties with the US. Ségolène Royal, France’s first serious female contender, wants to reshape a generation of socialist policies without creating strife among a diversifying French population.
A massive Round 1 turnout Sunday for the most anticipated political event in Europe this year is a clear mandate for "change" in France, though what kind of change is unclear.
Ms. Royal was immediately endorsed by three left-wing candidates. But whether she or Mr. Sarkozy will most benefit in the second round from supporters of "third man" François Bayrou’s is unknown. Mr. Bayrou, whose politics of unity attracted a strong showing of 6.5 million swing voters, holds a press conference Wednesday.
The May 6 runoff will showcase two sharply contrasting visions – and characters. Images from the final days say much: Sarkozy astride a horse at a bull ranch, and a white-clad Royal in working-class suburbs – a combination of Joan of Arc and Mother Teresa. …
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