Nicolas Sarkozy 'serene' after French vote loss

May 07, 2012 |

Paris

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Outgoing French President Nicolas Sarkozy told members of his UMP party on Monday that he was serene and at peace following his loss to Socialist Francois Hollande, a source at the meeting said.

Sarkozy met with ministers and senior party officials at the Elysee Palace Monday to discuss the UMP's plans for parliamentary elections to be held over two rounds on June 10 and 17.

"He encouraged us to be united" and reiterated that he would not seek election in the vote, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The source said it was an "emotional meeting" and that Sarkozy was "serene and dignified. He insisted he was at peace".

He said Sarkozy also insisted "on the fact he was happy" despite the result.

The centre-right UMP is gearing up to take on the Socialists in the parliamentary poll and hoping for an upset that would see it gain a majority and control of government. Polls show the two parties neck-and-neck.

Hollande won on Sunday with a vote of 51.62 percent to 48.38 for Sarkozy.

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