France hails continuity of policy as Obama re-elected

France on Wednesday welcomed President Barack Obama's success to win a second term in the White House, considering it an "important moment" to address global economic and political issues. In a letter released by the Presidency office, French Prsident Francois Hollande sent his "warmest congratulations" to Obama whose re-election showed "a clear choice in favor of open, united America that is fully committed to the international stage and aware of our planet's challenges: peace, economy and environment." After a tough race, Obama, who became the first black U.S. president four years ago, won four more years after defeating the Republican challenger Mitt Romney early Wednesday, paving the wayfor Democrats to have an extra time to fix the country's social political and economic headaches. Michel Sapin, Labor Minister expressed his satisfaction to see Obama at the head of the world's major economy and hailed his "determination and ability to strongly address the problems." "If there is an American problem it's also a problem for France and Europe. The French beyond the cleavage right-left are satisfied with Obama re-election," the minister told Public Senate TV channel. Minister for Economy and Finance Pierre Moscovici congratulated the U.S presidential election winner on the RTL, considering the United States an ally with which France shares the same approach, same value and faces the same challenge to reduce budget deficit. Ruling Socialist Party Secretary Harlem Desir, has meanwhile welcomed "the choice of the American people who refused to yield to the conservative offensive." In the right-wing side, Jean-Francois Cope, general secretary of the conservative UMP party, pointed that Obama's re-election "reflects the confidence he has inspired his people despite the international economic and financial crisis." "President Obama undeniably belongs to the category of those who marked, mark and will mark the history," he said. In her turn, Marine Le Pen, president of the far-right National Front, congratulated Obama in a statement for his re-election to the presidency of the United States. In the French press, the daily Liberation also hails the victory of Obama, saying he has succeeded where European leaders failed: "get re-elected in the midst of major economic crisis which the United States is still not out." According to CSA survey released Monday, 78 percent of French people was in favor of the Democratic American candidate while the Republican Romney enjoyed just 5 percent of vote. "Personally, I prefer the Democratic governing way. With Obama, Americans, whatever their religions, race and political orientation, gay or not can live together peacefully and without restrictions, that's why they give him a second chance," Stephane, a student at ESSEC business school told Xinhua.