Sarkozy's victory could bring better relationship w/ U.S.

By Aude Lagorce, Market Watch, 06/05/2007

PARIS (MarketWatch) -- The victory of conservative Nicolas Sarkozy in the French presidential elections on Sunday will likely bring about a shift in the foreign policy of the country, William Keylor, professor of international relations and history at Boston University and a specialist in French politics said. While Keylor noted that the election was fought on domestic issues, he said that Sarkozy would have a more pro-American stance and would like be willing to cooperate more with the U.S. Keylor added that Sarkozy seems to have a much more pro-Israel stance regarding the conflict in the Middle East than his predecessor Jacques Chirac. On the domestic front, he said it could be difficult for Sarkozy to carry out in-depth reforms of the pension systems and labor laws because of the opposition of the trade unions and the sensitive situation in the impoverished neighborhoods known as 'banlieues.' Finally Keylor cautioned that the parliamentary elections next month could also curtail the new president's power to implement change

Sarkozy says France back in Europe, calls America a 'friend'

PARIS (MarketWatch) -- Conservative Nicolas Sarkozy, in his first speech after he won the French presidential elections Sunday, urged his countrymen to unite around change and against intolerance. He made it clear that the country would be a strong partner for the U.S. but urged America, which he called a 'friend,' to lead the fight against climate change. He reiterated France's commitment to Europe, saying he had been pro-European all his life but said the Europe Union must also pay attention to the fears of its member countries. "France is back in Europe today," he said. Sarkozy added that France would continue to fight for the rights of the oppressed, particularly women. Finally he called for the French to respect the ideas of defeated Socialist opponent Segolene Royal