THE TELEGRAPH: Nicolas Sarkozy's centre-right UMP party won a majority in the parliamentary elections in France last night but it failed to pull off the landslide "blue tsunami" many had predicted.
In a shock defeat, Alain Juppé, the powerful ecology minister and government number two, lost his seat in Bordeaux to a Socialist party candidate. The opposition Socialists did not suffer the record slump that many had predicted, according to early results.
The results were a blow to Mr Sarkozy, who has appeared to be unstoppable since his presidential victory on May 6. But his party's victory should still give him enough room to start pushing his reforms through parliament. Setback for Sarkozy in parliamentary elections (more) By Henry Samuel
REUTERS:
Sarkozy wins poll despite resurgent left
THE TELEGRAPH:
Royal and Hollande separate after 29 years
NZZ:
Dämpfer für Sarkozy-Lager: Überraschende Gewinne der Sozialisten
Mark Alexander
