French Socialists pick ‘Mr. Normal’ as 2012 presidential nominee

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REPORTING FROM PARIS -- France’s opposition Socialists chose a 57-year-old father of four nicknamed Mr. Normal to lead their challenge against incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in next year’s presidential election.

François Hollande was declared winner of Sunday’s second round of the Socialist Party’s primary election after his rival, Martine Aubry, head of the party, conceded defeat.

Aubry told supporters at the party headquarters in Paris: ‘François Hollande is now our candidate. ... From now he will symbolize the hope of Socialists and the left. ... Now it’s time for unity.’

Early figures suggested Hollande had won 56% of the vote compared with 43% for Aubry.

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