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Sarkozy Preps for Landslide in Parliament

Projected majority for UMP could signal mandate for new Prez

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 11, 2007 8:33 AM CDT
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(Newser) – More Paris news: Nicolas Sarkozy's UMP party is making a beeline towards a landslide in the French parliamentary election, according to first round polls. UMP could win at least 383 of 577 seats, meaning a serious mandate for Sarko to push through rightish economic reforms. But the election is anyone's game until next week's second round.

The Socialist party continues a losing streak, and may give up half of its 149 seats. Turnout in the first round came in a exceptionally low by French standards—about 61%, over 20 points below last month's presidential contest. "Many people seem less interested in the parliamentary elections because they think Sarkozy will win a large majority anyway," says a Parisian voter.

A Parisian voter, top, casts his vote in the first round of the French parliamentary election, Sunday, June 10, 2007 in the city hall of the 18th district in Paris. President Nicolas Sarkozy's conservatives appeared headed toward strong showings as French voters began casting ballots Sunday in parliamentary elections that...
A Parisian voter, top, casts his vote in the first round of the French parliamentary election, Sunday, June 10, 2007 in the city hall of the 18th district in Paris. President Nicolas Sarkozy's conservatives...   (Associated Press)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, foreground, casts his vote for the first round of the French parliamentary election in Neuilly-sur-Seine, west of Paris, Sunday, June 10, 2007. President Nicolas Sarkozy's plans to revive France's economy and its identity faced their first test Sunday in parliamentary elections, with voters expected to give...
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, foreground, casts his vote for the first round of the French parliamentary election in Neuilly-sur-Seine, west of Paris, Sunday, June 10, 2007. President Nicolas Sarkozy's...   (Associated Press)
Christophe Ena)
Christophe Ena)   (Associated Press)
Parisian voters choose their ballot paper inside polling booths prior to casting their vote in the first round of the French parliamentary election, Sunday, June 10, 2007, in the city hall of the 18th district in Paris. President Nicolas Sarkozy's conservatives appeared headed toward strong showings as French voters began...
Parisian voters choose their ballot paper inside polling booths prior to casting their vote in the first round of the French parliamentary election, Sunday, June 10, 2007, in the city hall of the 18th...   (Associated Press)
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