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GUEST: Diana Johnstone, independent journalist and author of “Fool’s Crusade,” live from Paris, France

The French presidential elections have resulted in a run-off between the conservative candidate Nicolas Sarkozy, and his socialist rival, Segolene Royal who could be the first woman president in France. Sarkozy led Royal in the number of votes he received. The third highest vote getter was Centrist Christian Democrat and lawmaker Francois Bayrou, who was widely expected to beat Royal and face Sarkozy in the runoff – he received 18.5% of the vote. The results of the runoff now depend heavily on whether Bayrou’s supporters will vote for Sarkozy or Royal. Nicolas Sarkozy has pledged to weaken labor laws, cut taxes, and get “tough on crime.” Segolene Royal has promised to increase government spending and preserve worker protections. Although formally running for the Socialist Party, Royal has fashioned her rhetoric far to the right over the course of the campaign and lacks solid support from her own party.

Read Diana Johnstone’s article here: http://www.counterpunch.org/bricmont04172007.html