Sarkozy, who takes over the presidency next week, will now have to deliver on his promises to reform France's uncompetitive economic and social models, which his predecessor, Jacques Chirac, had failed to do in his 12-year tenure. At the top of his domestic policy priority list will be France's high unemployment, its rising public debt and urban unrest among maladjusted immigrants.

This will be no easy task. But Sarkozy appears to have gained a head start by winning the presidential election on a policy platform that emphasises drastic reform. The changes required will see French workers having to work longer hours with the prospect of less job security.

How far the new president will be able to push through these economic and social reforms depends on the effectiveness of his presidency. Sarkozy, who leads the right-leaning Union for a Popular Movement, will need his party to retain its parliamentary majority in the nationwide elections in the middle of this year. He must consolidate his weekend victory if his promised reforms are to proceed as planned. A worst-case scenario that could hamper Sarkozy's reforms is a parliament dominated by socialist and leftist politicians. Therefore he has no time to lose. He must immediately gain the trust and continued support of the electorate who delivered his win.

On the international front, Sarkozy would appear to be good news for Europe and the United States. The new French president won't need to waste time explaining his positions. As is well known, Sarkorzy's perception of the world is more in tune with the mainstream European and American leaders. The omens thus seem good for a world that is being confronted with all sorts of challenging problems. When a leading European power quarrels with the United States on major international issues, it usually complicates the issue and often stymies any attempt to resolve it.

France is a member of the United Nations Security Council and is still a power to be reckoned with, especially on issues pertaining to international peace and security. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, France has stood out in opposition to the unilateral approach to the "war on terror" taken by the US. France also led the European opposition, along with Germany, to the war in Iraq. The war has now entered its fifth year and the situation on the ground in Iraq becomes worse. Under Jacques Chirac, France's position on the conflict proved a huge embarrassment to the United States and its allies in Europe.

Sarkozy might be able to steer France in the right direction with his desperately needed economic reforms, and he may even identify more with the United States on world affairs. But there is a limit to what he can do, especially since George Bush has already become a lame-duck president.

Throughout its history, France has always maintained an independent foreign policy and a unique perspective of the world. As part of Nato, French troops were in Afghanistan for peace-keeping and reconstruction. But they are not in Iraq. For many, these two problems require the same kind of commitment from the Western powers. Whatever France chooses to do on the world stage depends on its perception of itself and its place in the world.

The new occupant of the Elysee Palace must certainly be more attentive to other parts of the world, especially Asia. Under outgoing President Jacques Chirac, France led Europe in its Asian policy. It was the first European country to sign the Asean Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Now, the UK plans to follow suit. In the future, such a treaty could be signed with the entire European Union. After all, Asean and the EU are celebrating 30-years of cooperation. If it happens, it would further enhance peace and stability in the region.