Sarkozy: a Leader for France

Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France since election in 2007 and probable candidate for the post again in 2012, is not enjoying the sort of popular support he received initially on inauguration. Like many other world leaders called upon to deal with the unexpected and widespread economic depression of recent months, the French politician has had to recalibrate campaign promises of reform and step up the rhetoric calling for oversight of the financial system. Additionally, Sarkozy has placed increased emphasis on the country's international stature, whether to bolster pride among the citizenry or to distract from rising unemployment and the deleterious effects of the credit crunch. A win for his party, the center-right UMP, Union for a Popular Movement, in the recent EU-wide vote for European Parliament representatives, was certainly a fortifying moment. But malaise and disappointment still remain the typical responses among the French public with regard to government leadership.

On the national front, Sarkozy has focused on issues such as investment stimulus to stem worrying job losses and aid struggling businesses and has mentioned reforming the pension system before end of term. Appointments announced in a recent cabinet reshuffle may indicate a commitment to these issues. However, greater attention has been given to recent public comments on Islamic women wearing burkas, with Sarkozy specifically noting that such costumes are not really religious but are instead demeaning and humiliating.

On the international front, diplomatic moves by Sarkozy include missions to improve relations with Libya and Syria, to interdict the raids of Somali pirates, and to increase military presence in Afghanistan. Perhaps the most important move is a policy change on NATO, as the President has decided to encourage reintegration into the military command structure of this 60-year-old mutual defense organization linking the U.S., Canada, and European countries. In 1966 Charles de Gaulle, the then President, had withdrawn France from the alliance's management setup but had not severed all ties. Reintegration may increase France's influence internationally both from a military standpoint and from a diplomatic one. This enhancement of reputation and influence is probably Sarkozy's aim here. Additional evidence of the 54-year-old politician's global vision is a recent plan to establish a new French naval base n the Middle East, in the UAE.

It has been enlightening to watch the flamboyant Sarkozy cope with the demands of statesmanship, of juggling broader European issues with localized parochial matters, of enjoying acclaim while managing the Presidency of the European Union for six months and then returning to the relatively mundane maneuvering of French political parties, of basking in the attention of a visit by the popular U.S. President and his glamorous wife but apparently little enjoying a contentious trip to overseas territories, the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, troubled by strikes and economic hardships. And, just think, Sarkozy still has plenty of time left, whether to win plaudits or attract critical gibes, before facing the voters in 2012!

Judah Grunstein, "Sarkozy's Power Play", Foreign Policy
"Burkas not welcome in France, says Sarkozy", Radio France Internationale
Rivegauche, "French naval base to open in Abu Dhabi", Daily Kos
Randolphe Lamy, "Sarkozy allows Martinique to hold autonomy vote", Philadelphia Inquirer/Associated Press
Michael Petrou, "Sarkozy's U.S. love-fest hits a few snags", Maclean's