Czech Social Democrats welcome Hollande victory

The Czech Social Democratic Party has welcomed the victory of François Hollande in the French presidential election. Party leader Bohuslav Sobotka said the French socialists’ resumption of the presidency after 17 years was a strong encouragement for social democracy in Europe, and a sign of hope and a turnaround. He added that Hollande would have to lead a tough fight to implement growth measures against those in Europe who have favoured radical cuts. Czech Social Democrats would support him in this struggle, he said. President Václav Klaus and Prime Minister Petr Nečas also congratulated Mr Hollande his win. Mr Nečas warned France against any step away from budget responsibility, saying it would be a mistake to deepen debt and budget deficits in order to raise growth. François Hollande gained a clear lead in the second round of polling Sunday evening, making incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy the first one-term president of France since 1981.