French regional elections, 2004

Regional elections were held in France on March 21 and March 28, 2004. At stake were the presidencies of each of France's 22 régions, which, though they don't have legislative autonomy, manage sizeable budgets. The results were a triumph for the parties of the left, led by the French Socialist Party (PS) in alliance with minor parties including the French Communist Party (PCF), the Left Radical Party (PRG) and the Greens (Les Verts). The left has usually fared moderately well in regional elections, but this was their best result since the regional system was introduced.

Related Topics:
France - March 21 - March 28 - 2004 - Région - Left - French Socialist Party - French Communist Party - Left Radical Party - Greens

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The left won control of 20 of the 22 regions of metropolitan France, defeating the parties of the mainstream right, the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and the Union for French Democracy (UDF), and the extreme right National Front (FN). The results are seen as a major setback for President Jacques Chirac and (then) Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

Related Topics:
Union for a Popular Movement - Union for French Democracy - National Front - Jacques Chirac - Jean-Pierre Raffarin

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