‘We were so scared’: France’s centrist and leftwing voters breathe sigh of relief

Early election predictions of far-right majority were proved wrong but questions remain over future

A nervous energy rippled through the crowd gathered at Lyon's Place de la Republique. As the final polls closed in the most momentous election in recent memory, hundreds of people milled about, waiting to find out what would lie in store for France.

Just after 8pm, Florent Martins came running through the plaza, mobile phone in hand. We won," the 23-year-old yelled out, his voice shaking with disbelief as those around him exploded into cheers and hearty applause. The left won!"