We're in it up to here

摘要

Like politicians the world over, Nicolas Sarkozy ran for office on a promise to restore popular faith in politics, end electoral cynicism and create an "irreproachable" government. Nearly half way into his term, and despite a relatively good recent record on the economy and labour relations, a series of scandals over sex and money are making a mockery of the French president's promises. They leave a troubling impression of an arrogant government, out of touch with its deputies and contemptuous of the popular mood.