Sarkozy Elected — 'Rupture' with Chirac Era

Nicolas Sarkozy defeats Ségolène Royal (first female major-party presidential candidate) with 53.1% of the vote, promising 'rupture' with the political status quo and economic liberalization. His presidency sees the global financial crisis (2008), Libya intervention (2011), and controversial security and immigration policies. Sarkozy loses re-election to Socialist François Hollande in 2012 and is later convicted of corruption.