Many voters said they were tired of the "cohabitation" of left and right in the last parliament and wanted a government with a clear majority to make changes.

Supporters of the centre-right UMP are celebrating

But the atmosphere among Socialists is grim

It was a night of mixed fortunes for candidates

The turnout had not been as high as was hoped by the Socialists

President Chirac has won an historic victory

But not everyone wanted to play ball