EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL<br/> French President Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative government loses its majority in the senate to the left.<br/> It is a historic defeat that deals him a blow just seven months before presidential elections.<br/> Early results showed left wing candidates took at least 23 seats from the ruling party, giving them an absolute majority.<br/> Socialist presidential candidate, Martine Aubry said this would make a difference.<br/> (SOUNDBITE)(French) SOCIALIST PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MARTINE AUBRY SAYING:<br/> "I think that now, we can truly say that the republic will be able to walk on its two feet. We'll make sure of bills that have been blocked here for a long time."<br/> The French sports minister was one of those not celebrating.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (French) SPORTS MINISTER CHANTAL JOUANNO SAYING:<br/> "There is a feeling of sadness. To see the Left push ahead so sharply in the Senate is never a positive thing."<br/> The left's victory follows a series of wins by Socialist candidates in local elections.<br/> Though the left-leaning Senate will not be able to derail Sarkozy's legislative plans, this is a symbolic setback, especially when taken together with his poor poll ratings.<br/> Marie-Claire Fennessy, Reuters
