Highlights
– Six months since election day, Sarkozy shows no signs of slowing down
– The charismatic “Omnipresident”
– Amidst a decline in public support, Sarkozy will remain steadfast
As we previously reported, on May 16, 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy assumed the French presidency (Previous Report). Sarkozy’s first 100 days in office impressed supporters and critics alike within France and abroad. Now six months into his presidential term, Sarkozy shows no signs of slowing.
Criticism at home and abroad abounds about the perceived successes of Sarkozy’s politicking. Well known for his strong resolve in the face of adversity and criticism, Sarkozy remains a significant force on the world stage.
Amidst a perceived decline in public support, we believe Sarkozy will remain steadfast in his policies both in the global community and at home in France.
Making Waves
Since winning the presidency, Sarkozy has taken the globe by storm in a hail of international policy debates. To date, Sarkozy has been instrumental in persuading European Union (EU) members to adopt a so-called “significant threat,” provided a diplomatic push to peacekeeping efforts in Darfur, floated the idea of a “Mediterranean Union” involving Turkey, and played an influential role in freeing five Bulgarian nurses from death row in Libya (Previous Report).
In his first major foreign policy speech in September 2007, Sarkozy defended the international community’s outrage against Iran’s nuclear program. Stating a nuclear-armed Iran would be unacceptable, Sarkozy advocated that major Western powers unite in their efforts to impose sanctions against Iran while also maintaining a sense of openness to the idea of talks should Iran terminate its nuclear activities. Sarkozy supporters applauded his stance on the issue.
Sarkozy’s tough language regarding Iran drew strong criticism from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, calling the French President, “inexperienced.” Conversely, following the remarks, the US expressed unwavering support to the French leader.
A Charismatic Leader
Nicknamed the “Omnipresident,” Sarkozy seems to be everywhere at once. Largely due to his seemingly unending public appearances, captivation of the world’s airwaves, and historic visits overseas Sarkozy dominates international and domestic news coverage with his personality and plans to bring France back to the forefront of the international community.
In September 2007, the French president traveled to the United Nations (UN) in an effort to expound his aspirations for France and the world to the UN General Assembly. Taking time for well-publicized jog through New York City’s Central Park, Sarkozy displayed an image of health, vitality, and respect for the United States.
The exposure generated a “buzz” concerning the charismatic leader’s energy and vision, but is accompanied with significant backlash. Specifically, critics complain a so-called “cult of personality” is drowning out political dissent. Amid concerns the charismatic leader is stealing the spotlight, in September 2007, the French opposition Socialist Party announced plans to lodge a complaint with the French national audiovisual authority (CSA), demanding limits be placed on how much airtime is allotted to Sarkozy in comparison to opposition party politicians.
While Keeping Ties with the US; Trouble Brews at Home
On November 6, 2007, Sarkozy flew to Washington for a two day visit. Widely viewed as a trip intended to cement an embattled friendship between the two nations, Sarkozy spokesman, David Martinon, expressed the trip’s aim was to, “celebrate the reunion of the United States and France after the crisis of 2003.” Dubbed “Sarko the American,” Sarkozy has made it clear the days of France versus the United States are long gone.
However, as Sarkozy heads to Washington, rail and energy unions at home threaten fresh strike action amidst plans to scrap pension privileges that permit some public employees to retire as early as 50. As we previously reported, on October 18, 2007, public transportation in Paris came to a halt as suburban trains and buses suspended service and scores of subway stations closed signaling the beginning of a transport strike that last two full days (Previous Report). The strike was the first test of Sarkozy’s highly anticipated economic reforms and will likely not be the last.
Amid plans to scrap some 23,000 public sector jobs in the year 2008 by not replacing rapidly retiring employees, civil servants have called a strike for November 20, 2007. The move, if enacted, will be the largest job cut in the public sector in six years.
As we previously reported, the October 2007 strike is the first of many public pushbacks we expect to see throughout Sarkozy’s inaugural year in office. However, as we have seen in the past, Sarkozy’s resolve and continued reforms will likely prevail.
Sarkozy Will Remain Strong
Now entering six months into his inaugural term in office, Sarkozy shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to speak out on international issues, to include Iran’s nuclear program, and remains committed to expanding ties with the US.
As we previously reported, facing intense scrutiny and a souring public persona, President Sarkozy remains steadfast in his calls to reform the French economy.
We believe Sarkozy’s plans for economic reforms will continue to spark outrage among the French public. However, his reputation for success and strong convictions will likely prevail in both domestic and international public policy debates.
