11 March 2008: The opposition Socialist Party in France made gains in the first round of local elections on Sunday, March 9, with the more important second round coming up on March 16. 

President Nicolas Sarkozy has enjoyed high popularity since he was elected in May 2007 but has since been sliding in opinion polls. Mr. Sarkozy is not taking part in this month’s elections, but his Union for a Popular Movement party (UMP) has so far lost in many of the important metropolitan areas.

Turnout was high at around 70 percent. Left parties have almost 49 percent and the center-right parties have some 44 percent with some votes still being counted.

Local elections in France do not usually attract much attention but this vote is seen as a referendum on Mr. Sarkozy’s policies, which his government promises to continue.

Following the first round Mr. Sarkozy turned his attention to helping the UMP campaign for the second round as more than 36,700 towns and villages will choose local mayors and councilors on March 16.

For complete results of the second round please see the next issue of Global Elections Watch.

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