France gets new leader, Europe new direction

France handed the presidency to leftist Francois Hollande, a champion of government stimulus programs who says the state should protect the downtrodden—a victory that could deal a death blow to the drive for austerity that has been the hallmark of Europe in recent years.
Mild and affable, the president-elect inherits a country deep in debt and divided over how to integrate immigrants while preserving its national identity.

Markets will closely watch his initial moves as president.

From: http://ping.fm/WuVlf