Francois Hollande swept to victory in France's presidential election on Sunday ---- beating Nicolas Sarkozy by at least three percentage points with the majority of votes counted.<br/> <br />Hollande's win over the incumbent signals a swing to the left for the country and ends 17 years of conservative leadership.<br/> <br />Beaming, he addressed his supporters in Tulle.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Francois Hollande saying (French):<br/> <br />"Before you, I engage myself to serve my country with the devotion and the exemplary (leadership) that this post demands. I understand responsibilities of the job and, as such, I give a republican salute to Nicolas Sarkozy who has led France for 5 years and who deserves all of our respect. I express my profound gratitude to all who, through their vote made this victory possible."<br/> <br />He also pledged to pull the country out of crisis while safeguarding access to health and education.<br/> <br />Jubilant left-wingers celebrated in Tulle, and thronged Paris's Bastille square.<br/> <br />Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
