Sarkozy faces test as Socialists triumph / Sarkozy faces party wrath after poll defeats

The opposition Socialist Party won a clear victory in French local elections on the 27 March 2011 as the far-right National Front gained support, between them putting pressure on President Nicolas Sarkozy a year before he faces the electorate in a Presidential election.

BBC News, 28.3.11: France: Martine Aubry spurred by Socialist poll victory http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12883400

Deutsche Welle, 28.3.11: French voters deal blow to Sarkozy in local elections http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14948460,00.html

ESO: Background information: Far right makes gains in France http://www.europeansources.info/record/far-right-makes-gains-in-france/

BBC News, 28.3.11: France: Martine Aubry spurred by Socialist poll victory http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12883400

France24, 28.3.11: Socialists, National Front make gains in local vote http://www.france24.com/en/20110328-sarkozy-loses-out-socialists-far-right-local-elections-marine-le-pen-bva-eric-bonnet

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