Sarko needs a geography lesson

While giving a speech, President Sarkozy stated that he was in Allemagne (Germany) when he was actually in Alsace. Maybe it was just a slip up and it certainly wouldn’t be the first by a French politician (see They sound so similar and What kind of prints?). But given the region’s history, I can understand why the locals were upset. View the oops moment here.

Hotel what??

On another note, Sarko has some new neighbors.

In the News

French MPs vote to ban Islamic full veil in public

Nicolas Sarkozy accused of colonial nostalgia over Bastille Day parade

Sarkozy Funding Scandal? French Probe Allegations Of 'Secret Cash'

Trouble in Sarkoland?

Apparently there are rumors floating around that Sarko and Sarkozette have grown tired of each other and are seeking "comfort" elsewhere. I have no idea if there’s any truth to this…if you’re curious read more here.

Sarko’s Napoleon complex

It’s been said that Sarkozy has issues with his height and if the latest news is to be believed, he’s gone to new extremes to appear taller. During a recent visit to a factory, some employees selected to stand behind the president claim they were chosen because they were short.

Read about it here

Sarko is making frenemies

According to French President Sarkozy, US President Obama is weak and indecisive and German Chancellor Merkel followed Sarko’s lead only after she realized that Germany's economy was in trouble. He also took a swipe at Spain, indicated respect for Berlusconi’s ability to get re-elected several times and to top it off he’s calling people of African descent “suntanned”.

I’m all for free speech, but wtf??! The suntan issue will have to wait for a different post on racism in France. Does Sarko believe that insulting the leaders of other nations is the way to improve international cooperation? Does he think that Obama doesn’t surf the net or won’t find out about Sarko’s comments? Apparently the concept of catching flies with honey instead of vinegar didn’t make it across the pond. Some are saying that Sarko is jealous that another president has taken media attention away from him and Sarkozette and I’m inclined to agree.

Read about Sarko’s comments here.

Rachida Dati – the darling’s downfall?

Before I could find the time to post something about how much crap Rachida Dati is getting because she returned to work just 5 days after giving birth via c-section, she gets herself fired.

Apparently Sarko’s darling - the first person of north African descent to hold the Justice Minister position in France - has fallen from favor and is being relegated to a lowly post in the European Parliament. There’s all kind of gossip about the reasons behind her being forced to step down from her Justice Minister position. Some say now that she has pushed through reforms, she’s no longer popular and Sarko has no further use for her. Others say that Sarkozette (Carla Bruni-Sarkozy) turned Sarko against her. Whatever the reason, I am sure that this is not the last we'll hear from the fashionable and ambitious Ms. Dati.


Rachida Dati remains loyal to Nicolas Sarkozy despite losing cabinet post

What Rachida Dati's fall means for France

'Superwoman' Dati riles French

French minister Rachida Dati's return to work just five days after giving birth has sparked the great NO-TERNITY debate

Sarko = Embarrassment?

When I read this article about the French being embarrassed about Sarko I laughed and had two simultaneous thoughts: 1) you voted for the bling president and you got him 2) now you understand how many Americans feel about Bush. Apparently Sarkozy is not meeting the culture standard that past presidents of the republic did. Some French are even hoping that Carla will reform Sarko – yeah, good luck with that. If Sarko continues to focus on being a celebrity, socializing with celebs and showing off his new trophy wife, then this may be just the beginning of many embarrassing years for the French.

the sarkos get friendly with the royals

Why Sarko wanted to be president – to hobnob with royalty
Why Sarkozette wanted to marry him – to be with someone who hobnobs with royalty (and let’s not forget the all important possession of nuclear power).

See photos of the royal hobnobbing here and read some snippets here.

sarko’s party takes a hit

Sarkozy’s party, the UMP, didn’t do very well in the recent local elections. The Socialists (party of Sarko’s former opponent, Segolene Royal) won in several cities. It seems that the French are sending Sarko a message and it’s not a friendly one. Even though Sarko was able to reduce benefits for functionaires , his approval rating has declined since taking office. I don’t think his divorce and almost immediate marriage to a model he’d known only a few months went over too well either. I’ve overheard French people say that they’re disappointed in him and he’s been too focused on being a celebrity instead of running the country. Today someone actually called him a clown president. I chuckled and the person knew what I was thinking because he followed up his comment by saying “But he still has a long way to go to match Bush.”

Read about Sarko and the elections here, here and here.

supermodel first lady = normal

The new Mrs Sarkozy supposedly thinks of herself as normal and simple. Since when is being a former supermodel, coming from a wealthy family, dating rock stars AND snagging the president of France considered “normal” or “simple”?? Read Sarkozette’s L’Express interview (in French) here and to find out more about how the two met, go here.

franglais and sarko gets hitched

The boyfriend forwarded this article about speaking franglais, something which I have been known to do more often than I'd like to admit. A couple of amusing franglais examples come from a friend who lived with a French speaking family in Belgium during her senior year of highschool. Once when she was feeling sick she said “Je suis malade, j'ai besoin de vomiter” (the proper verb is vomir). Another occured when she was have breakfast with her host family and asked if the yoghurt had “preservatifs”. FYI – un preservatif = a condom. Fortunately her family had a sense of humor.

On an unrelated note, Sarkozy has married his ex-wife's sister. Not really, but the Carla-Cecilia resemblance can't be missed. Now that Sarko and Bruni are officially hitched, foreign goverments don't have to worry about protocol issues (i.e. where does she sleep and where does she sit during dinner.)

Read about Sarko and the new Mrs. here, here or here.