Sarkozy, Royal in run-off
2007-04-22 20:51
Paris - Right-wing candidate Nicolas
Sarkozy and Socialist rival Segolene Royal will face each other
in France's May 6 presidential run-off after they came through
a first-round vote on Sunday, television polls said.
Below are comments from politicians on the first-round
election result.
Far-right leader JEAN-MARIE LE PEN
"I thought the French were quite unhappy with the fact that
we have 7 million poor people, 14 million poor workers, that we
have a trade deficit..."
"Well, I was wrong. The French are very happy.
"The proof is
that they have just re-elected - both very comfortably as well
and even by a little bit more - the parties that have been in
power and which are responsible for France's situation.
"I fear
this euphoria will not last for a very long time."
Prime Minister DOMINIQUE DE VILLEPIN in statement
"Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin is delighted with the
excellent score obtained by Nicolas Sarkozy, our political
party's candidate.
"He called Nicolas Sarkozy to give his
personal congratulations and to wish him all success in the
second round.
"All our political party will be at his side in the next 15
days to support him.
"Dominique de Villepin is also delighted with the very
strong turnout in the first round of the presidential election,
which reflects the vitality of our democracy."
JEAN-FRANCOIS COPE, government spokesperson and Sarkozy supporter
"No, we haven't won yet. There's still a second round to go."
"The other thing I'd like to highlight is that the National
Front has collapsed."
LAURENT FABIUS, Socialist former prime minister
"I am happy. We must now prepare for the second round."
Asked about the second round: "It's all open."
Socialist party leader FRANCOIS HOLLANDE
"Tonight, the French people have won. They have given the
best possible lesson in democracy.
"Segolene Royal scored 10
points more than (then Socialist candidate) Lionel Jospin in
2002 and more than Francois Mitterrand in 1981."