Paris: French voters elected reform-minded Nicolas Sarkozy as their new president on Sunday by a comfortable winning margin.
With 85.9 per cent of the vote counted, the conservative Sarkozy had 53.35 per cent compared to 46.65 per cent for Socialist Segolene Royal, according to the Interior Ministry. Turnout was a strong 85 per cent.
"The people of France have chosen change," Sarkozy, 52, said in a victory speech before cheering supporters. The charismatic figure pledged to be "president of all the French."
Royal conceded defeat minutes after the polls closed. "I gave it all my efforts, and will continue," she told supporters.
"I hope that the next president of the republic fulfils his role in the service of all French people," she added.
Sarkozy, more pro-American and pro-Israeli than most French leaders, said the United States can "count on our friendship" but added, "friendship means accepting that friends can have different opinions."
Clashes erupt
US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair called Sarkozy to congratulate him, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel wished him "much luck and success."
French President Jacques Chirac telephoned Sarkozy to congratulate him and wish him success, the Elysee palace said.
Supporters hailed the win as the start of an era of change that would revive France's fortunes. Party workers and well-wishers packed into a hall in central Paris and chanted victory even before the result was announced.
Clashes erupted on the Place de la Bastille where Royal supporters had gone to await the results.
Riot police fired tear gas at stone-throwing protestors gathered to demonstrate against Sarkozy's victory.
