Sarkozy enjoys mixed support in France. Though he is known to be a pragmatic leader, he has often landed up in controversies, thanks to his remarks.
Two years ago, Sarkozy -- interior minister in outgoing President Jacques Chirac's cabinet -- labelled immigrants as 'scum,' provoking riots in the French suburbs where many immigrants of African origin live.
Why France is burning
Nevertheless, he has won support among many older voters by his promises to reward hard work and wage war on crime.
The Lessons from France
'The France I dream of is one which leaves no one behind, a France which is like a family, where the weakest, the most vulnerable, the most fragile have the right to as much love, as much respect and as much attention as the strongest,' he said after the results of the first round were announced.
Image: Nicolas Sarkozy gives supporters in Paris a thumbs up after the first round of voting
Photograph: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
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