France - EU elections

Sarkozy promises "initiatives" in response to UMP gains

Article published on the 2009-06-08 Latest update 2009-06-08 10:28 TU

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, 8 June 2009
(Photo: Reuters)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Monday that his government would introduce unspecified "initiatives" in upcoming days. He was commenting on his conservative party's large win in this weekend's European parliamentary elections.

Sarkozy put out the communiqué after his party tallied 28 percent of the vote, up from 16.6 percent in 2004.

He wrote that the French people had "recognised the government's efforts get out of an unprecedented worldwide economic crisis."

He then wrote that "Europe has to change. The reforms have to continue. The president of the (French) republic will take up new initiatives in the coming days."

Sarkozy added that he wished to meet with heads of all the parties represented in the parliament before the next European Council meeting on 18 and 19 June.