Hollande formally installed as Socialist candidate in French election

Francois Hollande was formally installed today as the Socialist Party candidate in presidential elections six months away, and he vowed to re-enchant the French after five years of conservative leadership under President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Hollande led a frontal attack on Sarkozy – who has not yet declared his candidacy for the two-round elections in April and May but is expected to do so - dismissing criticism by the president’s allies that he lacks the experience to lead the country.