Sarkozy Wins Mandate For Radical Reform

Right-winger Nicolas Sarkozy emphatically won France's presidential election on Sunday, securing a clear mandate to carry out a program of sweeping social and economic reforms.

"I will not betray you, I will not lie to you, I will not disappoint you," Sarkozy told some 30,000 supporters packed into Paris' Place de la Concorde to celebrate his triumph over the Socialist Segolene Royal.

But riot police also fought hundreds of anti-Sarkozy protestors in Paris and others cities with tear gas and water cannon, while angry youths burned dozens of cars in the suburbs hit by riots two years ago.

Sarkozy won the battle to be France's new generation leader in place of  President Jacques Chirac with 53 percent of the vote against 47 percent for Royal, according to official results.

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The estimated turnout of 85 percent was the highest in three decades.