ČSSD leader: Hollande's victory boosters socialists in Europe

Prague, May 6 (CTK) - The victory of socialist Francois Hollande in the French presidential election is strong encouragement for socialists in Europe and a signal of a U-turn and hope, Czech Social Democrat (opposition CSSD) leader Bohuslav Sobotka said Sunday.

According to the first estimates, Hollande won 52 percent in the second round of the election Sunday, beating Nicolas Sarkozy who was defending the post.

"The victory of Francois Hollande is crucial for the whole European left-wing. After the success of socialists in Denmark and Slovakia it is a key signal of a U-turn and hope for all who seek a more just and socially acceptable reaction to the debt crisis," Sobotka says in a written statement.

According to Sobotka, Hollande will have to fight a hard battle for pro-growth measures will all who have been promoting radical general cuts they would lead to the stagnation of the economy.

The CSSD will support Hollande in this struggle, Sobotka said.

CSSD foreign affairs expert Lubomir Zaoralek said he believes Hollande will open a debate on how to boost economic growth and employment.

Zaoralek said the policy of cuts was good for Germany but not for Europe as a whole.

Somebody has to launch the investments, he said.

Zaoralek said he believes France will not clash with Germany headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel but a joint action will be discussed.