[Cincinna]

This is the final poll to appear before the Election on Sunday. There is a total blackout on campaigning and polling that began at midnight on Friday.

There are three important trends to note :

First, UMP is polling at 43% for the 1st round. Sarko has succeeded in eliminating the National Front of J-M le Pen from competition. The FN is polling at only 5%

Second,the Socialist Party appears to be on Life Support at 28% when combined with two fringe Leftist parties.

Third, the so-called “Centrist” party of Francois Bayrou, the new MD or MoDem, is polling at only 8%.

France has taken a sharp turn to the right.

[Fred Nerks]

France has taken a sharp turn to the right.

I'm so happy I could weep! Thank you for the updates.

[TigerLikesRooster]

This is the best outcome for France, IMHO. Weakened FN and powerful UMD mean that potentially dangerous political(and physical) confrontation is averted, and the change can be worked out in a regular political arena, not on the street.

It is also fortunate for France that electorate decisively showed the French left the door. It drastically reduces their trouble-making potential.

While politicians of boomer new-left origins still run amok in U.S. and Bush's losing his way, this is one of the best news you can have these days.

[Uncledave]

Thanks for the great updates, Cincinna.

If the US and France continue on their current trends, I just might move there!