Congratulatory messages have been pouring in from all parts of the world.
United States President George W Bush said he expected good relations with Sarkozy, who has reiterated his commitment to enhance French-US relations that were damaged over the Iraq war, and who is seen as more pro-US than most French politicians.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he was confident Sarkozy will help find a way out of the impasse that has gripped Europe since French and Dutch voters threw out the constitution in referenda two years ago.
Image: Supporters of Socialist candidate Segolene Royal react after the announcement of the first unofficial results, May 6, in Paris
Photograph: Francois Durand/Getty Images
Also see: 'Lots of people are unhappy in France'
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