Sarkozy supporters hailed his triumph

FRENCH POLL: Ecstatic Sarkozy supporters gathered at a rally in France.

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New Delhi: France has a new President. Right wing leader Nicolas Sarkozy defeated Socialist rival Segolene Royal in the final round of polls.

Ecstatic Sarkozy supporters hailed his triumph as the start of a new era that would revive France's fortunes.

"Things are going to change. They're finally going to move. We will stop being immobilised. We are very happy all behind Sarkozy and all with him. All the young people from Marseilles are with him," said Florent Desteros a resident of France.

"I think all this will bring many things for France. It will help change things I think he will be a good president. It’s the best day of my life and we are all very happy. Long live the president and the Republic," said another resident Elvire Degarvel.

While Segolene supporters in Paris vowed to continue the fight for the French socialists and its heroine Royal.

"We shall continue to fight, we still believe in it, because there is such an extraordinary fascination in Segolene Royal, we congratulate her, we don't regret it, we don't regret it," said Royal supporter.

"I am a Socialist and I remain a Socialist, the fight goes on. I think that all the Left will be united and that that will really change things. We can make the French people realise that it will be very difficult if we keep Sarkozy in power," said another Socialist supporter Sascha Grandemonge.

And in the immigrant-dominated pockets, people are disappointed at Nicolas Sarkozy's victory.

Asked about the reaction to the election result, Jenifer, a 19-year-old Clichy resident said, "A lot of disappointment, a lot of disappointment, yes. I expected Segolene Royal to come through but it was the contrary. I am very disappointed, yes."

"We are in a democracy, one has to know how to lose. But I will see if others want to act, militate intelligently, I am here ready for any protest, I am ready for everything," said Abdul, a 20-year-old Clichy resident.

This year's election had the highest voter turnout since 1981, which clearly indicated youth participation in French politics. And though Sarkozy has won his first battle his regime will have to stand up to diverse expectations of young men and women of France.