Francois Hollande, a National Assembly deputy, wins a convincing victory in a primary runoff. He calls for unity as he seeks to bring the French left its first presidency in nearly 17 years.
 Francois Hollande, left, the winner of the French Socialist Party's presidential primary, joins hands with runner-up Martine Aubry. (Thomas Samson, Pool Photo / October 16, 2011) |
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Reporting from Paris—
France's Socialist Party selected a 57-year-old National Assembly deputy nicknamed "Monsieur Normal" to go head-to-head with beleaguered incumbentNicolas Sarkozy in next year's presidential election.Francois Hollande won a convincing victory in a primary runoff Sunday against Martine Aubry, a former Labor minister.
In his victory speech, Hollande said he was well aware of the "heavy and serious job" ahead of him as he seeks to unify the French left in order to bring it its first presidency for nearly 17 years.
"I note this evening's result with pride and responsibility," said Hollande, who leans slightly to the right of his party. "I want to revive the French dream."
At the same time, Sarkozy is deeply unpopular, according to polls. Although his approval rating has improved from a low of 30% in April, a recent survey showed 63% did not approve of his performance.
Pollsters attributed the increase in Sarkozy's popularity to his high-profile role in helping oust longtime Libyan leaderMoammar Kadafi.
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