Hollande set for parliament win
As expected, first round results show President Francois Hollande's party is set to win a majority in the French National Assembly.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AT THE INSTITUTE FOR POLITICAL STUDIES IN PARIS CHRISTOPHER BICKERTON, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I think the overwhelming sensation really is that there aren't many surprises in this first round result from what I think was in many respects quite a lacklustre campaign."<br/> <br />But Hollande's Socialist party is not taking any chances.<br/> <br />Politicians worry voter fatigue and an already low turnout at polls could mean lost seats.<br/> <br />That's why party leaders are renewing calls for support as the second round of elections approach.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH SOCIALIST PARTY LEADER MARTINE AUBRY SAYING:<br/> <br />"We need a strong majority to continue on employment, growth and justice."<br/> <br />That message could fall on deaf ears as the French turn their attention away from politics.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (French) PARIS RESIDENT OLIVIER DELAVARE SAYING:<br/> <br />"The campaign was a bit long and now I think the French want to talk about other things. And you have the euro and all that. People are not going to vote."<br/> <br />France elected its first socialist president in 17 years after conservatives struggled to boost jobs and the economy.<br/> <br />Jessica Gray, Reuters
