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Change a la Paree?

The BBC reports on the outcome of yesterday's election in Paris - with change seemingly in the air. Like 'em or loath 'em, but one cannot ignore the French. Their position in the EU and on the UN Security Council - plus their fickleness and sometimes contrary approach to the topic of the day - makes France a nation not to be overlooked.

"Sarkozy will face Socialist Segolene Royal in the run-off of France's presidential election on 6 May, results indicate.

With most votes counted in Sunday's first round, Mr Sarkozy had nearly 31%, with Ms Royal, bidding to be France's first woman president, on 25%.

Centrist Francois Bayrou got 18%, and far-right Jean-Marie Le Pen almost 11%.

Voting throughout the day reached record numbers, with turnout put at 85% - the highest for nearly 50 years.

On a bright spring day, disillusionment with politicians and their promises did not translate into apathy, reports the BBC's Caroline Wyatt in Paris."

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