Sarko Saves France

Sarko saves France with a win. No Paseran with updates on the "youth" response. A little perspective, via No Paseran, Denis Boyles a few days ago:

The Euro-press’s morose mantra is that Sarkozy is mean, a nationalist, a populist — the terms usually reserved for Jean-Marie Le Pen, but now directed against the Gaullist, who, on an American spectrum, would be seen as a moderate Democrat, but in France is viewed as “radical conservative” to use Bremner’s delicate phraseology. To the BBC’s World Service, Sarko’s simply a “rightwinger” — but then to the World Service, who isn’t?

Ah yes, he's supposedly a conservative. Also here. The Times: “

The French have chosen to break with the ideas, habits and behaviour of the past,” he said. “I will restore the value of work, authority, merit and respect for the nation.”

He would also rid France of its habit of “repenting” for its past historical sins. “This repentance is a form of self-hatred,” he said.

Mr Sarkozy offered friendship to the United States, but urged Washington to act urgently on climate change. He also warned fellow European leaders that he expected them to join him in making the Union more protective.

“It must not be the Trojan horse for globalisation’s ills,” he said.

By choosing Mr Sarkozy, France turned a deaf ear to the warnings of Ms Royal and much of the left that his muscular plans for restoring the work ethic, cutting welfare and fighting crime would lead to violence and even insurrection.

He won despite advocating an "un-French" philosophy "Work more to earn more". What a concept. A clean break from ruinous socialist abstraction.

UPDATE: Financial Times, via RCP:

Some left-wing militants threaten to conduct the third round of the presidential elections on the street and to resist his legislative programme.

Mr Sarkozy still needs to form a majority in parliament after June’s legislative elections before he can make good on his promises.

Yet Christine Lagarde, the trade minister expected to retain a prominent government role, is confident he can succeed saying the trade unions will not be able to “hold the country hostage” as they have in the past.

“The majority [of voters] have said they want reforms. While trying to accommodate everyone, he will deliver on those reforms,” she says. “He is not a weak character.”

UPDATE: France's new First Lady:

Cecilia Sarkozy, whose husband Nicolas was elected Sunday as France's new president, is a fiercely independent former model and PR executive unlikely to fit easily into the discreet role of first lady.

"I don't see myself as a first lady. It bores me. I prefer going round in combat trousers and cowboy boots. I don't fit the mould," the elegant 49-year-old brunette has said.

UPDATE: I break out some champagne. American, but it's the thought that counts. The first time in some time we can feel good about the French.

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