- FRANCE 24

08/02/2012 - POLITICS

French Presidential Race: the German Candidate

The "Franco-German couple" is taking on a new political role. Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel, as two conservative leaders, are joining hands not only to salvage the euro but also to boost Sarkozy's re-election bid. Is the German strategy a good one for Nicolas Sarkozy? And is Angela Merkel taking too many risks, given that Socialist François Hollande might end up being president instead?

01/02/2012 - POLITICS

French presidential election: Bye-bye Mr President?

Is it all over for Nicolas Sarkozy? His rivals are almost certain he is living his last weeks in the Elysée palace. Even some of his fellow conservatives have serious doubts. Only the president is convinced he can be like Bill Clinton - the comeback kid. So does he still have a chance of being re-elected?

26/01/2012 - POLITICS

Presidential Election: François Hollande makes his move

After a successful keynote speech last Sunday, Socialist leader François Hollande unveiled his platform today. So is he on his way to the Elysée? In any case, incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy is struggling in the polls, is faced with record unemployment and has even started musing about losing the election...

19/01/2012 - POLITICS

Jobs summit: Sarkozy's last hurrah?

It was the fifth and now probably the last time the French unions were invited by President Nicolas Sarkozy to a so-called "crisis summit", instead of a social summit. The result was some small decisions and some big disagreements, against the backdrop of presidential elections less than 100 days away.

12/01/2012 - POLITICS

Presidential race - back to basics: jobs, jobs, jobs

After the war in Libya and the eurozone debt crisis, France's attention is finally turning back to bread and butter issues as the presidential campaign begins for real. The social issues, first and foremost unemployment, are back at the forefront.

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?