Hollande's first words are for youth and fairness

In his first words to the French people as president-elect Francois Hollande said on Sunday that fair treatment for all and the interests of the young would drive his policies.

Reprising promises made in the speech which launched his campaign, the 57-year-old Socialist said that he wished to be judged only on these pledges to "fairness and youth". "Every choice I make, every decision I take will be based on these sole criteria," Hollande told a cheering crowd in Tulle, his small-town political base in central France. (Reuters)