The Socialist party and its allies capture a majority of seats in parliament . - May : A general strike is called by the unions to protest against austerity measures imposed on them by the government, which include cuts in public spending and tax hikes for businesses. He plans to reverse Nicolas Sarkozy 's austerity measures to promote growth . Party leader Marine le Pen , however , suffered a shock defeat , losing the stronghold seat of HÃ©nin-Beaumont in northern France . Hollande is France 's first Socialist president since 1995 .
The Socialist party and its allies capture a majority of seats in parliament . - May : A general strike is called by the unions to protest against austerity measures imposed on them by the government, which include cuts in public spending and tax hikes for businesses. He plans to reverse Nicolas Sarkozy 's austerity measures to promote growth . Hollande is France 's first Socialist president since 1995 .