French voters chose Socialist Francois Hollande as their new president...

Sunday, in a race that will have implications for Europe's debt crisis, the Afghanistan war and global diplomacy.

Hollande, largely unknown outside French borders, beat out conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy, who faced widespread anger and disappointment over his handling of the economy.

A few reasons why the outcome matters in France and beyond:

EUROPEAN DEBT CRISIS

Hollande could reshape the debate in the 17-nation eurozone. Until now, France and Germany led by Sarkozy and Angela Merkel have set the agenda on how best to restore troubled state finances
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