STOCKHOLM, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt welcomed the victory of Nicolas Sarkozy in the French presidential election, while opposition Social Democrats expressed concern, local media reported on Monday.

    "Given a choice between the centre-right and the left, the French people chose the candidate who gave the clearest policy vision," said fellow center-right leader Reinfeldt in a written statement on Sunday night.

    Sarkozy was elected in Sunday's second round of the presidential election with 53 percent of the vote, leaving opponent Segolene Royal trailing on 47 percent.

    "With the choice of Sarkozy, French politics is passing to a new generation," Reinfeldt said. "I hope that this means that France will open up for a much needed reform program, with a focus on jobs, the economy and welfare."

    Reinfeldt was elected to head a center-right government last September.

    The prime minister added that he welcomes Sarkozy as French president and looks forward to "a close partnership during the combined periods of our presidencies of the EU." He also expressed his hope that France has gained a constructive voice with the will to drive the European partnership forward.

    The Social Democrats, however, voiced their concern over Sarkozy' s victory.

    Ann Linde, the party's international secretary, told Swedish news agency TT that the new French president might put the brake on Turkish accession to the EU, which will land Turkey and Sweden on a collision course.

    Linde also warned that Sarkozy's full domestic agenda could squeeze his time on European affairs. In broader international issues, she said Sarkozy harbors more support than any other French politician for U.S. and British policies, which could have a significant impact, given France's permanent seat on the UN Security Council.