Latest update: 29/11/2011 

- Economic crisis - eurozone - François Hollande - French politics - Nicolas Sarkozy - presidential elections


Governments swept away across Europe: can Sarkozy beat the odds?

No Flash warning
To take advantage of all the features on FRANCE24.COM, please click here to download the latest version of Flash Player.

Nicolas Sarkozy is low in the polls and facing the new rule of European politics: if you are in power during the debt crisis, you're out at the next election. Spain is the latest country in the eurozone to throw its government out - will Sarkozy be the next to face the axe? Also making waves this week, the Green Party is in turmoil as doubts grow over their presidential candidate's mettle and strategy.

FACE-OFF
By FRANCE 24

On the set:

- Philip Turle, Journalist, RFI;

- Jean-Marc GONIN, Senior Writer, Le Figaro Magazine.

François Hollande: the unpopular president
07/03/2013 - FACE-OFF

François Hollande: the unpopular president

François Hollande has done better than his predecessors: after just ten months in office, he is the most unpopular president in the history of the Fifth Republic. Also this week: two years after battling a reform of the pension system put in place by the conservative government, the Socialists are now considering...a similar reform.
Austerity measures: reaching the limit?
28/02/2013 - FACE-OFF

Austerity measures: reaching the limit?

The government had been adamant: there would be no more taxes in 2014. But now it says it needs to find an extra 6 billion euros. Also this week: François Fillon, who was Nicolas Sarkozy's prime minister for 5 years, announces his intention to run for president in 2017, a move that could hurt Sarkozy's own chances of a comeback.
Institutional reforms: will Hollande keep his promise?
21/02/2013 - FACE-OFF

Institutional reforms: will Hollande keep his promise?

Politicians in France have for decades held multiple positions at the local and national level. During his campaign, François Hollande pledged he would put an end to such a tradition. But now that he is in power, he is not in a hurry to fulfil his promise. Also on the programme, the explosive issue of jail sentences is once again in the spotlight as the government explores alternatives to prison.
Nicolas Sarkozy: looking for a comeback?
14/02/2013 - FACE-OFF

Nicolas Sarkozy: looking for a comeback?

Will Nicolas Sarkozy stage a comeback in French politics? The former president is keeping quiet, but others are talking for him, including one of his party's top leaders. Also this week, after the surprise resignation of the Pope, the French president's reaction has sparked controversy. This as the relationship between the Socialists and the Church is already being tested by the vote on a bill legalising same-sex marriage and adoption.
Europe: the Hollande strategy
07/02/2013 - FACE-OFF

Europe: the Hollande strategy

François Hollande, boosted by the war in Mali, plunged into European affairs this week; first with a major speech before the European Parliament in Strasbourg and now with a European summit in Brussels. Can he chart a middle ground between the UK and Germany? Also on the menu, layoffs continue unabated in France and unions are once again calling on the Socialist government to come to the rescue.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(0) Reactions
Read more
Close