Socialist Francois Hollande swept to victory in France's presidential election last night in a swing to the left at the heart of Europe that could start resistance to German-led austerity.
Mr Hollande beat conservative incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy decisively, winning 51.9% of the vote to Mr Sarkozy's 48.1%, based on partial results, and bringing the centre-left back to government after a decade in opposition.
Mild-mannered Mr Hollande promised help for France's downtrodden after years under the tough-talking Mr Sarkozy, a man many voters blamed for economic troubles.
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