Sarkozy One Year Later: Is His Mind on France, or Carla?

摘要

The inauguration of French President Nicolas Sarkozy in June 2007 was filled with optimism. Most French seemed ready to adopt badly needed reforms. But one year later, public support has eroded-from almost weekly tabloid stories about Sarkozy's new wife, Carla Bruni. The June 2007 inauguration of Nicolas Sarkozy as the president of the Republic of France was filled with optimism. An overwhelming majority of French people were poised to accept reforms needed to meet the challenges of globalization. One year later, public support for President Sarkozy and his reforms has been eroded by almost weekly stories about his new wife, Carla Bruni. Their whirlwind courtship and marriage came just a few months after he seemingly tried to relaunch the Kennedy Camelot image of his presidential mandate with his then-wife, Cecilia. From the first photos of Le President and Ms. Bruni riding a camel in Egypt to the well-publicized auction of the First Lady's nude modeling photo from ten years ago, the popularity of this president and his quest for reform has reached lows not seen in France since Marie Antoinette took up refuge in Trianon Palace. Was Sarkozy's failure to make real change during his first year in office inevitable, as the entrenched special interests sought to guard the privileges of the past? Some say yes. Whether or not it was predictable, the brilliant strategist and political bandmaster of the French right bobbled the baguette chasing his bride and bid adieu to the wave of support that welcomed him a year ago.