Turnout of First Round of French Elections "Extraordinary by Any Standards"

BBC Staff, Caroline Wyatt/TN : Apr 23, 2007
BBC

REPORTER'S NOTE: The May 6 presidential elections in France will have a huge impact on the future of relations between our two countries and, therefore, on issues France and America have been at odds over since terrorists waged war on America on 9/11. Please remember the French in prayer in the upcoming days that the candidate God has designed to lead that nation will be elected. —Teresa Neumann, BCN.

In what is being called "an extraordinary turnout by any standards," the BBC reports that 85% of French citizens cast their votes in the first round of the presidential elections, more than any other French election since 1965. (Graph of French Turnout—BBC News)

The clear winner in this round was pro-American minister Nicolas Sarkozy, who received a higher-than-expected score of 30%, "to the delight of his young fans cheering outside UMP headquarters." Opposition contender, Socialist Segolene Royal, received 25% of the vote.

Sarkozy reportedly supports measures that would make the French work "harder" and longer hours as a remedy for France's ailing socialist economy, a move that frightens the socialist establishment in France.

According to the BBC report, many of the young say they are firmly in favor of Mr. Sarkozy, believing he is the only candidate able to reform the economy and help France compete.

"He's the only man who can make something happen in France, and who can really change people's minds," one young supporter was quoted as saying, as he celebrated in the streets of Paris. "We need to get everybody back to work—the 35 hour week has been a disaster."

The final election that will determine the new president and future of France will occur May 6.