Senate swings a little to the left

The Socialist Party gained 23 new seats in the French Senate over the weekend – much better than even they had predicted.

Votes were cast by around 50,000 delegates of town councils and regional councils in the indirect elections which were held for one third of the 343 senate seats.

The Socialists and their allies won at least 23 new seats in the voting for 114 seats. Results from overseas regions were not included.

Socialist Party leader François Hollande had predicted a gain of between 10 and 15 seats.

The party’s improved results follow gains during the municipal elections in March 2008. The president of the Socialists in the Senate Jean-Pierre Bel said the electoral system was heavily biased in favour of the right.

"I am not proud for the democracy in our country," he said.

"France gives lessons on parliamentary democracy to the entire world and we should start sweeping in front of our own door. One of our two chambers is totally locked up," he added.

Photo:The National Assembly is the most powerful house of parliament. Credit:Afp