The first national reactions have just come in:
Dominique Estrosi-Sassone (UMP)
There is a national defeat and it must be accepted. Our list would be leading in the Alpes-Maritimes. We must especially consider the rise of the extremes with the return of the Front National, which resulted in the election of Michel Vauzelle. Our fellow citizens did not clearly understand the stakes of this election and how the Region can change their daily lives. Voters cast their votes more in a national context.
Michel VAUZELLE (President of the Regional Council, PS)
This is the victory of a people wounded by the UMP President who claimed this region belonged to the right. Tonight, the people reminded the President that they had a choice. The left won here tonight because it carried the values of the left and the Republic.
Xavier Gracia (Spokesperson, Socialist Party 06)
The estimates put us neck and neck with the UMP. It is a tremendous message of hope. We have just won an election!
Thierry Mariani (UMP)
I note that Michel Vauzelle did not review his project, and we fought a good fight. We had a consistent message, and we restored an important political value, the truth. On the national level, a message was surely sent, but the reforms undertaken by the government are necessary.
Jean-Marie Le Pen (Front National)
The FN score is stronger in all regions. I thank those who fought in the first and second rounds. It is a defeat for the official political world. I would like to salute all those who put their hopes into their votes. Many French people turned to us because we are the national solution. It is hard to admit that we achieved a victory.
Franรงois Fillon (Prime Minister, UMP)
The outcome confirms the success of the left-wing lists, we did not manage to convince. We must analyze this vote with clearheadedness because the message from the French is always a source of teaching. But France cannot be managed based on local elections. The fight for growth and employment remains the absolute priority and requires our unity. These elections have shown that the French are worried. They are right, our way of life is threatened, but not by the reforms, and without reforms, we will not be able to finance it anymore. Tonight, the challenges we face remain the same. We need tenacity and courage, and I remain confident in our ability to succeed together for the benefit of all the French people.
Martine Aubry (First Secretary, PS)
The French people gave an unprecedented victory to the united left-wing lists. I would like to salute the Presidents, our partners, and the French who trusted us. We are attentive to their messages and concerns, and we receive this victory with responsibility. Starting tomorrow, we will be working in our regions to keep our promises regarding employment, training, agriculture, or transportation. The Regions will not lose a minute. The French people have punished an unjust policy and expressed their grave concerns. They have also said no to the exploitation of fears and wish for a France united around its values. I say to the Government, listening to the French means changing policy. The French like us united, the left in solidarity reconnects with the French and must be consolidated and expanded.
