De Gaulle Fails

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30927, 7 December 1965, Page 17

De Gaulle Fails

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright) PARIS, Dec. 6. France today awaited General de Gaulle’s answer to the challenge handed him by voters in the country’s unprecedented Presidential elections. The 75-year-old President who failed to win the required over-all majority in yesterday’s first ballot, faces two alternatives—retirement, or entry into the arena for a second ballot against the runner-up, a Left-winger, Mr Francois Mitterrand.

There was no announcement from the President, but observers believe that he will accept the challenge, stand again and beat Mr Mitterrand handsomely.

With a few overseas votes still to cone, General de Gaulle had 44 per cent of the votes and Mr Mitterrand 32 per cent The general needed 50 per cent of the total vote plus one to avoid a second ballot on December 19. General de Gaulle is not expected hade in Paris from his country home at Colom-

bey Les Deux Eglises—where he watched his setback on television—before tomorrow. He may keep France on tenderhooks until then before announcing bis decision. Broad Hint The Prime Minister, Mr Georges Pompidou, today gave a broad hint that his leader will fight again. “The diversionist candidates have succeeded in putting off the big manifestation of the national wilt and have thus done a disservice to their country which no doubt has realised this,” he said. The President of the National Assembly, Mr Jacques Chaiban Dedmas, a

Gaullist leader, declared: “It seems to be unimaginable that de Gaulle should be absent from the run-off election." But the Information Minister, Mr Alain Pesnrefitte. was move hetetant Asked whether the general would remain a candidate, he replied: "I hope so." Strong Left When the election campaign opened a fortnight ago, the . Prealdeat seemed certain to get the "frank and massive” ■ vote of confidence be asked ; for. He was beaten by the solidarity of the Left, which . swung almost entirely behind i the 49-yearold Mr Mitterrand, and by the surprise success of the Centra candidate, Mr Jean Lecanuet A European supranationaltet, Mr Lecanuet, aged 45, came third in the poll with neatly 16 per cent He was almost unknown a few weeks ago but be starred in the television campaign and made large inroads into the Gaullist rote. Observers assume that a majority of Lecanuet supporters would vote for General de Gaulle in a two-man contest with Mr Mitterrand. Two Ways General de Gaulle declared during the campaign that if he was not elected, France would be thrown back into the confusion and instability of the Fourth Republic. If be does not face a second ballot, he has two ways of quitting the arena. He could withdrew bis candidature, leaving Mr Mitterrand and Mr Lecanuet to fight it out, or he could resign the Presidency which - he holds until January 8. There would be new Presi- ■ dential elections three weeks later which a new Gaullist > candidate could enter, r The winner from a Decemi ber 19 run-off would be the

first directly-elected French President since Louis Napoleon Bonaparte in 1848. General de Gaulle brought back universal suffrage for the Presidency by referendum in 1962. Asked if he could beat the General in a second ballot, Mr Mitterrand said: “I -shall do my beet.” Opposition View In Marseilles, the city’s Socialist mayor, Mr Gastop Defferre, commented: “The election proves that the majority of Frenchmen disapprove of General de Gaulle’s policies, both at home and abroad, and of his methods.” For 18 months, Mr Defferre was the only opposition candidate until a disagreement between his backers forced him out. On the Government side, a former Premier, Mr Michel Debre, declared: “In spite of an odious campaign of demagogy, 45 per cent of French men and women have expressed to General de Geulle their gratitude and their hope.” He said the election proved that France needed General de Geulle.