German gov't, opposition congratulate new French Pres.
Date: 06/05/2012      Time: 11:44:00 PM
 
German President Joachim Gauck congratulated Francois Hollande for his victory in French presidential elections. Gauck, in a cable to Hollande, wished the socialist good luck during his five-year term "for the service of your country and Europe." Gauck believed that France and Germany were capable of confronting challenges facing the Eurozone. Foreign minister Guido Westerwelle also congratulated Hollande for his victory. The victory of Hollande, who won 51.8 percent of votes, was "a historic event." Westerwelle said Germany and France could together help the eurozone overcome the debt crisis. Germany socialist party leader congratulated his French counterpart.