Sarkozy challenges Hollande to public debates

Paris: President Nicolas Sarkozy has challenged socialist Francois Hollande, who won the first round of France’s presidential poll, to hold three public debates with him before the second round of the vote. “I propose that three debates be organised. The French have the right to truth and clarity,” Sarkozy said on Sunday, challenging Hollande. Hollande won the first round of France’s presidential poll, setting up a run-off with Sarkozy who came second, reported Xinhua. [caption id=“attachment_285052” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“AFP”]  [/caption] Hollande got about 28 percent of votes on Sunday, according to projections based on partial results, against about 26 percent for centre-right incumbent Sarkozy. “Tonight, I become by the French vote the candidate of all the forces who want to close a page and open another. Thanks to you, tonight, change is now running, and nothing, I say nothing, will stop it,” Hollande said in a speech at his headquarters in Tulle, south west France. “On 6th May, I want a great victory worth of France of its history and its future,” he told supporters. IANS