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French Elections

May 7, 2007

Conservative Nicolas Sarkozy won the French presidency against Socialist Segolene Royal on Sunday. Read DW-WORLD.DE's dossier in the run-up to one of the most exciting races in recent French history.

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On May 6, French voters chose conservative Nicolas Sarkozy of the country's ruling UMP party to move into the Elysee palace instead of Segolene Royal, a socialist, who would have been the first female president of the republic.

After emerging as the top vote-getter in the first round on April 22, Sarkozy held a clear advantage and surveys showed that he was set to beat Royal in the second vote.

But analysts still thought Royal stood a chance to become president as she could unite the "Anyone but Sarkozy" voters behind her.

Check out the candidates and the issues in this special DW-WORLD.DE dossier.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Burning motorcycle in Paris

Sore Losers?

Police and protesters clashed in cities throughout France after Sarkozy's election victory.
May 7, 2007

Monsieur le President

Right-winger Sarkozy won the French presidency, with 53 percent of votes amid a massive turnout
May 6, 2007

French Tensions High

France was tense a day before polling places opened for voters to choose between Sego and Sarko.
May 6, 2007

He Said, She Said

Tempers ran high in the final French presidential debate, which failed to produce a clear winner.
May 3, 2007

French Elections

French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen asked supporters to abstain in the presidential runoff.
May 2, 2007

Franco-American Ties

French ties with the US gone through a rough patch, but that could change after Sunday's election.
April 30, 2007

Election Games

European Greens leader Daniel Cohn-Bendit talked to DW-TV about the French presidential election.
April 22, 2007

Crunch Time in France

DW's Anke Hagedorn says it's now time the French presidential candidates get serious.
April 23, 2007

Democratic Awakening?

European papers Monday hailed the high voter turnout in France's first round of elections.
April 23, 2007

Nicolas Sarkozy

Controversial as interior minister, Nicolas Sarkozy polarizes France in the presidential race.
April 20, 2007

Madame la Presidente?

Royal swayed French voters with her grassroots approach, but critics condemn her style and politics.
April 20, 2007

Taking Center Stage

DW-WORLD.DE takes a look at Francois Bayrou, so the so-called Third Man of the presidential race.
April 15, 2007
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