Mahnmut

Sarkozy walks out

OK. Let's start from afar.

May 2007. The final debate before the French presidential elections. Ségolène Royal loses her temper, while Bonaparte, sorry, Sarkozy remains calm. He finally comments that if she's to become president, the Republic is in trouble, since she cannot hold her emotions and would put the country at risk.

Now, October 2007. New president Nicolas Sarkozy is giving an interview for US broadcaster CBS. When the journalist brings up the question about the president's divorce with Cecilia, he suddenly loses his temper, knocks his microphone away and says that if he were to comment his family matters, it wouldn't be here. And demonstratively leaves the studio and the shocked journalist, who can do nothing more but explain to the US viewers how "Mr Sarkozy loves America".

I know it's not very appropriate to put personal questions in an interview with a politician, but on the other hand he's a public person and moreover, the president of France. Besides, his divorce with Cecilia has been long in the spotlight recently, so it's normal to at least mention it because people are curious and want to know what's going on. Also, Mr Sarkozy did not seem to have any objections to sending his wife as a diplomatic envoy to Libya (instead of sending his Exterior Minister, who remained on the phone line in Paris, waiting for news from Tripoli!)  But he does mind being asked about his relationship with her!? Hello? You're making her your political assistant, but you don't want any questions asked about her? Huh?

I don't know what the French people were thinking when they were choosing him (same question to the US electorate, btw). Maybe they like his economic and social program. Maybe they like his stance on international affairs (like his love for America and hate for Turkey). Maybe his Napoleonic lust for power, or his imperialist inclinations (reviving the French empire under the name Mediterranean alliance? hello?) Maybe they're fed up with right-centrists and just want a change (ultra-neo-con please, if possible). Or they just like his big brown eyes and his big brown nose and his fake smile? I dunno. In terms of personality, they'll yet have to discover the darker side of Sarko and this is only the beginning. My intuition tells me that he's one little totalitarian bastard who's thirsty for glory. One thing is for sure. There are still many more curious circus tricks to be expected from him - a thing he's got in common with his bro, Mr Bush! LOL