At 8:00 p.m., Place de la Bastille erupted in joyous celebration. Hands reached toward the sky, people embraced, jumped in the air and shouted, “victory!” Hollande became the new President of the Republic, leaving Nicolas Sarkozy trailing in his wake.
By 6:30 pm, the Bastille was already swarming with the young and old, families, and all of those who binned their Sarkozy ballots this Sunday, May 6, 2012. The atmosphere was friendly as some drank beer and chatted as they waited for results. Up until 7:00, only a few slogans were shouted here and there, and a few “Hollande 2012” flags waved timidly. Those gathered at the Bastille held roses or pinned them to their coats to express their hopes.
Some, however, knew the results ahead of the official announcement from news organizations abroad.
"We are very confident [in the result],” said Laura, Kathleen and Paloma with a smile. But for Cécile and Arnaud, who came with their two children, “Even if we saw the results on a Belgian site, we’re still a little worried, because they are still just predictions, and we are really hoping [Hollande] will win.”
At 7:30, spirits were higher and Bastille Square was packed. The crowd soon reacher a fever pitch. “We have won, we have won,” people cried as many climbed up the Colonne de Juillet. “Leave, Sarko, get out” and “Sarko, it’s over,” were shouted back and forth 10 minutes before the official results were announced. All eyes were on the screen, and there a blend of tension and excitement filled the air until François Hollande’s face appeared. Then the Champaign corks popped, the people shouted with one voice, and for a brief moment, the crowd seemed in perfect harmony.
“We won!” From 8:00 on, there is joy on every face. “‘Victory’ was my first word, I am full of expectation, I am old and don’t have much time left, but I hope it will be enough for me to witness a real change,” Sylvie tells us. “I am not French, but I’ve been here for six years and I am really happy for France. Sarkozy destroyed our social unity, and we hope that Hollande will bring people together, and our society will only be better,” says Houma in impeccable French.
A Very Festive Atmosphere
As we move away from the center of the square, people are dancing, singing, toasting each other with Champaign flutes or glasses of beer. People climb onto phone booths, street signs, barriers, even trees. They jump, shout for joy and burn “Nicolas Sarkozy” ballots. The atmosphere reaches its apex and a wave of serenity takes over the crowd. Even if Alexis and Antoine, 19, do not believe in “a miracle, especially in terms of the economy, Hollande’s election is really something amazing. It symbolizes hope and people coming together.”
“France will be able to breathe easier. With Hollande, we have hope for a France that is more just. Sarkozy created divisions between people, and we believe François Hollande can bring them together,” say Sébastien, Nicolas and Didier, who came to celebrate the victory together. Looking at all the people who came out for this celebration, France appears more multicultural and multigenerational than ever. Algerian, French, Syrian, Ivory Coast flags fly in harmony. “The important thing is that Sarkozy is out. Finally, we are proud to be French. Our country will be unified once again,” Khady, Manel and Luc tell us, before adding, “You see, we are all represented now, and it feels great!”
Bastille Not Emptying Out
“We’re hoping for less disunity and injustice, more equality and happiness. With Hollande, we finally have hope,” Mégane insists. “The new President of the Republic has his work cut out for him, but damn it, we believe in him, and it is finally time for change!” says Nicolas enthusiastically.
At 1:30 the concert continues and François Hollande has delivered his speech, but neither the Place de la Bastille, nor the Colonne de Juillet, nor any of the surrounding side streets are emptying out. The celebration and the crowd's victorious spirit continue into the night.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.