The clear-cut success of Nicolas Sarkozy demonstrates the desire for change that invests all of Europe and not only France [sic]. The defeat of Royal is yet another proof of the fact that the Europeans consider that the Left's capacity to govern is finally over with. I'm tied to Nicolas Sarkozy by long-term esteem and friendship on a personal level. On the political level Sarkozy shares the same values and principles that are the basis of our political engagement, and the program he presented to the French coincides substantially with ours. My most affectionate congratulations and most cordial best wishes for his presidency.