Socialist Group in EP: France has spoken for change

BRUSSELS, April 23 (KUNA) -- The President of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament (EP) Gianni Pittella said Sunday "this evening, the French people have spoken out for change, and this is a clear message that cannot be ignored," in first reaction to results of first round of French presidential elections.
"For the good of France and of Europe as a whole, it is now necessary to unite all forces Democrats in the second round to block the Front National," he said in a statement.
The head of the second-largest political group in the EP expressed his disappointment over the result of the Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon, who is projected to receive only six percent of the votes. (end) nk.hb