French Socialists seize Senate in blow to Sarkozy

France's left wrested the Senate from the right in indirect elections on Sunday, taking the majority of seats in the upper house of parliament for the first time in more than 50 years – a blow to conservative president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Seven months before presidential elections, Sarkozy's party downplayed what it said was a narrow win – up to three seats, according to officials from the president's party.

The minister for parliamentary relations, Patrick Ollier, said the results had "no national political significance". Final results of the voting to fill half the seats in the 348-seat house were not in, but the Socialist's leader in the Senate announced the victory.

For more: French Socialists seize Senate in blow to Sarkozy | World news | guardian.co.uk