Sarkozy' UMP party wins 2/3 of French districts in regional elections

Former French President and President of UMP party Nicolas Sarkozy delivers a speech following the anouncement of results of the French departementales regional elections, in Paris, France, March 29, 2015. [Photo/IC]

PARIS - Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy made a big political comeback in the French regional elections after conservative candidates took control of 66 out of 98 districts, in a blow to the governing Socialists, official data showed Monday.

According to Interior Ministry figures, the UMP party bagged 45. 03 percent of the vote on Sunday, outpacing the Socialist Party (PS) and partners who won 32.12 percent, while the far-right National Front party (FN) was placed third with 22.23 percent of the vote.

In the second round of regional elections, 25 districts previously held by the Socialists were won by the UMP.

While failing to win big, the FN, however, continued to gain ground after its candidates secured seats in 14 regional councils.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the answer to the election defeat was pushing through reforms and boosting efforts to implement the government's economic and social pledges.

The turnout at Sunday's second round of regional elections was at 48.98 percent.