France votes: Sarkozy wishes Hollande 'good luck'

Socialist Francois Hollande has been elected as France's new president, defeating incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in a vote that will have wide implications for the eurozone.

He got about 52% of votes in Sunday's run-off, according to projections based on partial results, against 48% for centre-right incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy.

Speaking after the result emerged, Mr Sarkozy urged his supporters to respect Mr Holland as the new president of France.

The outgoing leader also revealed that he had spoken to Mr Hollande to wish him "good luck" in what would be testing times ahead for France.