June 26, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Sarkozy takes EU mantle under a shadow
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, June 26, Graphic News:  As France prepares to take over the six-month rotating EU presidency on July 1, the signs are that their new leader, Nicolas Sarkozy, will not allow himself to be too troubled by a small matter such as the Irish rejection of the painstakingly wrought Lisbon Treaty.

While thereÕs no doubt that FranceÕs turn at the helm will be overshadowed by the blow to the treaty and efforts to get it back on track -- it aims to streamline the EU and requires the approval of all 27 members -- the hyperactive and hugely ambitious Sarkozy has a few grand schemes of his own to promote, and much to prove to his fickle French public.

At the heart of his agenda are his proposals for a common EU defence policy, which have been met with suspicion by the United States and Britain. His plans for an operational headquarters in Brussels, in particular, have angered the British, but President Sarkozy insists that such proposals would not undermine the NATO alliance.

At the same time Sarkozy has unveiled a radical overhaul of FranceÕs defence policy, which includes slashing 54,000 jobs to pay for satellite and airborne drones, as well as greater spending on other technology. Plans for a French return to the NATO command anger Socialists who say that Sarkozy is sacrificing the nationÕs cherished independence.

By now, however, it is clear that SarkozyÕs ambitions far exceed his concern for othersÕ doubts about him. His first few months at the Elysee Palace have been dominated by his love life -- he married former supermodel and singer Carla Bruni in December following a whirlwind romance straight after a messy divorce from his second wife, Cecilia Ciganer-Albeniz.

While initially eyebrows were raised at the notion of Carla as first lady, her elegant presence at the diminutive SarkozyÕs side is now credited with helping to bolster his poll ratings after dismal lows since last yearÕs election victory. Nevertheless, many are not quite convinced by her latest song proclaiming that the president is better than Òany drugÓ.

The former interior minister and one-time protege of Jacques Chirac has yet to deliver on campaign pledges to modernize FranceÕs economy and labour laws, and the process is expected to be far from painless. Curbing illegal immigration is another priority. Immigration is one of the three policy areas, with energy and the environment, which Sarkozy has pinpointed as priorities for the EU presidency. Significant progress on these and on a reformed Òmini-treatyÓ could help prevent him and Carla from having to sing the blues.
/ENDS