In France, voters have elected the right-wing, pro-American Nicolas Sarkozy to be the country’s new president. By a 53-to-47 percent margin, Sarkozy beat the Socialist candidate, Segolene Royal. In his victory speech, Sarkozy assured Americans of France’s “friendship.” Within hours of the election results being announced, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest. In central Paris, police fired tear gas and water cannons at demonstrators. Over 100 cars were set on fire in the suburbs of Paris. Protests were also held in Bordeaux, Marseille, Lille, Nantes, Toulouse and Lyon.