Presidential election: Sarkozy gambles on the economy

He has not said so yet but there is little doubt that President Nicolas Sarkozy has already begun his electoral campaign. He wants to present himself as the protector of the French in these uncertain economic times. Will the gamble pay off or come back to haunt him?

POLITICS

Marc Perelman interviews Denis Demonpion, journalist at Le Nouvel Obs Magazine and Mark Denn, journalist at Bloomberg News.

Marc Perelman

French Politics Editor

05/01/2012 - POLITICS

Arms deal scandal: Sarkozy in the line of fire

The "Karachigate" scandal has been a nuisance for Sarkozy. It is likely to remain so during the presidential campaign.

15/12/2011 - POLITICS

Presidential election: centrist threats for Sarkozy

For weeks, it was assumed that impetuous former PM Dominique de Villepin had finally reconciled with his Gaullist rival, President Nicolas Sarkozy. But on Sunday, the unpredictable poetry lover and Napoleon fan took everyone by surprise by announcing he would run for president himself.

08/12/2011 - POLITICS

France and Germany, marriage or divorce?

Will the European crisis revive old demons? The core of the European Union, the Franco-German couple, is officially working hand in hand to salvage the euro and refound the union. Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel basically spent the week together - Monday in Paris, Wednesday in Marseille, and Thursday and Friday in Brussels. But some here in French resent the perceived alignment with Germany as a loss of sovereignty and identity.

01/12/2011 - POLITICS

Presidential election: will Europe be the deciding factor?

Will Europe be a central question for French voters when they cast their ballots next spring for the presidential and parliamentary elections? If you look at the past, the answer is no. Europe is small fry compared to jobs, education or crime. But as the economic crisis continues to batter the continent, the fate of the euro, the role of the European Central Bank and the future of federalism are taking centre stage. So how might this play out in the campaign?

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24/11/2011 - POLITICS

Greece, Italy, Spain: is Sarkozy the next to fall?

The economic crisis has created a new political rule: out go the incumbents! Last Sunday, the Socialists in Spain were the last ruling party to be swept out of power. The debt crisis and austerity packages are bringing down one government after the other, from the north to the south, from the left to the right. Does this mean Nicolas Sarkozy's re-election bid next spring is doomed?

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