Opposition Socialists in France defeat Sarkozy in regional voting

The results came close to the grand slam the Socialists were hoping for. Official results showed the conservatives holding on to Alsace but losing control of Corsica. Those were the only two regions run by the right going into the vote, and two closely watched races.

Frustration over Sarkozy’s handling of the stumbling economy was high on many voters’ minds during yesterday’s runoff vote. Socialists and like-minded parties also dominated the first-round voting a week ago.

Prime Minister Francois Fillon, looking somber, acknowledged the conservatives’ defeat even before the partial official results were released.

“These elections show that the French are worried’’ about reforms to their pensions and other social protections, he said. He warned that the country can no longer finance France’s generous social system without reforms. “We do not govern a great country like France according to the rhythm of local elections.’’

The conservatives’ discomfort was evident. UMP chief Xavier Bertrand and Finance Minister Christine Lagarde were visibly grimacing on postelection talk shows.

The Socialists, after years divided and drifting, were buoyant, and looking ahead to the 2012 vote. “The French have spoken, they must be listened to,’’ said Socialist leader Martine Aubry.

“It is a huge success,’’ said her predecessor Francois Hollande. He warned, “We haven’t won the presidential elections.’’

Voter turnout was slightly above 50 percent — better than the 46 percent in the first round but still close to record lows for France.

The Socialists were boosted by alliances with far left parties and especially with Europe Ecologie, a grouping of green parties enjoying growing popularity amid voter concern about global warming.

The far right National Front enjoyed a comeback with the regional elections, with OpinionWay projecting an overall score of 17.5 percent in the 12 regions where they made it into yesterday’s runoff.

The party’s strongest showing came in the Riviera region, home to leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, and the Nord-Pas de Calais region where his daughter and possible successor Marine is an increasingly prominent voice.