Two Days to Go Before French Presidential Election; Heated TV Debates

Ahead of the May 6 French presidential election, TV debates were held at a special studio in Boulogne-Billancourt near Paris on May 2. Nicholas Sarkozy, candidate for the right-wing ruling Union for a Popular Movement, prepared for the discussions sitting on the right with Socialist Segolene Royal two meters away on the left. A huge clock that was installed to ensure fair time management drew attention. About 20 million people reportedly viewed the 160-minute, highly contentious debate.