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Left 'set to beat' Sarkozy party Left 'set to beat' Sarkozy party
(20 minutes later)
Exit polls from the French regional elections indicate that President Nicolas Sarkozy's centre-right UMP party is heading for a defeat.Exit polls from the French regional elections indicate that President Nicolas Sarkozy's centre-right UMP party is heading for a defeat.
The polls gave the Socialists up to 30% against 26.5% for the UMP. However, the turnout appears to have been low. The polls gave the Socialists up to 30% of the vote against 26.5% for the UMP. However, turnout appeared to be low.
It is the last nationwide vote before presidential and parliamentary elections due in 2012.It is the last nationwide vote before presidential and parliamentary elections due in 2012.
The poll ratings of the centre-right president have plunged in opinion polls and unemployment has risen to 10%. President Sarkozy's poll ratings have plunged in opinion polls as unemployment has risen to 10%.
The BBC's Emma Jane-Kirby, in Paris, says that although the election is meant to be about regional issues, voters are bound to use this opportunity to punish the central government.The BBC's Emma Jane-Kirby, in Paris, says that although the election is meant to be about regional issues, voters are bound to use this opportunity to punish the central government.
Projections also showed that the far-right National Front had done better than expected, with up to 12% of the vote.
However, the abstention rate of Sunday's first round was put at some 52%, a record for a regional election.
FRANCE'S ELECTORAL CALENDAR May-June 2007: Presidential and parliamentary elections see Sarkozy elected president and UMP victoryMarch 2010: Regional elections provide key half-term testMay-June 2012: Next presidential and parliamentary elections Sarkozy's party faces drubbingFRANCE'S ELECTORAL CALENDAR May-June 2007: Presidential and parliamentary elections see Sarkozy elected president and UMP victoryMarch 2010: Regional elections provide key half-term testMay-June 2012: Next presidential and parliamentary elections Sarkozy's party faces drubbing
Ahead of Sunday's first round, Prime Minister Fillon told voters: "Do not listen to those who claim it's a foregone conclusion." Mr Sarkozy has sought to play down the importance of the vote, saying it would have no impact on his reform drive.
The socialists are expected to forge alliances with Green and other left-wing parties ahead of next Sunday's second round. But the socialists are expected to forge alliances with Green and other left-wing parties ahead of next Sunday's second round.
The leading parties will then go forward to a conclusive vote which will decide who runs France's 26 regions.
The Socialist Party is deeply divided at national level, but remains strong in regions.The Socialist Party is deeply divided at national level, but remains strong in regions.
Analysts say party leader Martine Aubry, who has been criticised by rivals, is hoping a good result in the current polls will boost her chances to become the socialist candidate in the 2012 presidential election.Analysts say party leader Martine Aubry, who has been criticised by rivals, is hoping a good result in the current polls will boost her chances to become the socialist candidate in the 2012 presidential election.