In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy's centre-right UMP party has suffered a heavy defeat in the second round of regional elections. The Socialist-led opposition alliance took about 54 per cent of the vote with the UMP on 36 per cent. About 51 per cent of voters turned out. The results leave the UMP in control of only one of France's 22 regions – Alsace in the east. Prime Minister Francois Fillon acknowledged the defeat, admitting the left's success. A cabinet reshuffle is expected. Opposition leader Martine Aubry was quoted as saying the results expressed the French people's rejection of the politics of the president and the government. These elections are the last major electoral test in France before the presidential election in 2012.