Looks like Sarkozy had his toes stepped on.... :-)
(Little bit of an ego-fed tantrum out of him. The peacock was posturing [threatening to boycott] even *before* the event. <GGG>)
Check-out the comments! "... the comic relief of international politics." :-)
Sarkozy snipes at 'dim' Spanish PM and 'weak' Barack Obama
Timesonline
Charles Bremner in Paris
timesonline.co.uk
The US President is weak, the Spanish leader is dim, the German Chancellor is clinging on to France’s coat-tails and the head of the European Commission is irrelevant.
That, at any rate, is the world according to President Sarkozy, who has spent the week airing his unvarnished opinions of Barack Obama and an array of international politicians — abruptly ending France’s honeymoon with the US and needling Washington on several strategic issues.
In the latest in a stream of accounts from the Élysée Palace, Mr Sarkozy was quoted yesterday as telling an all-party group of MPs that Mr Obama was inexperienced and indecisive. “Obama has a subtle mind, very clever and very charismatic,” the French President said. “But he was elected two months ago and had never run a ministry. There are a certain number of things on which he has no position. And he is not always up to standard on decision-making and efficiency.”
The US President had underperformed on climate change when they met, Mr Sarkozy said, according to an account of the MP’s session in the newspaper Libération. “I told him, ‘I don’t think that you have quite understood what we are doing on carbon dioxide’.”
Mr Sarkozy was apparently irked by media reports that Mr Obama had saved the day in London by persuading President Hu of China to reach a compromise with France over tax havens. Mr Sarkozy’s version is that he shamed Mr Obama into action, telling him: “You were elected to build a new world. Tax havens are the embodiment of the old world.”
Mr Sarkozy was also reported yesterday to have cracked a dubious joke about Europe’s “Obamamania”. According to L’Express news magazine, he mentioned Mr Obama’s planned visit to Normandy for the D-day anniversary in June, saying: “I am going to ask him to walk on the Channel, and he’ll do it.”
This jaundiced view of Mr Obama may have been prompted by the US President’s heartfelt welcome at the G20, Nato and EU summits. “The President is annoyed by what he sees as the naivety and the herd mentality of the media,” wrote Claude Askolovitch, a commentator close to the Élysée Palace.
The end of the short-lived Franco-American honeymoon also reflects a decision to swing France back towards its traditional role as counterbalance to US power, a shift that began with tension over the London economic summit. In the Élysée account Mr Sarkozy played the pivotal role as upholder of principle in the face of ineffectual US leadership. He had telephoned Gordon Brown on the eve of the summit and threatened not to turn up at all if the leaders refused his demand to name and shame tax havens, according to the leaks.
Although Mr Sarkozy has taken France back into full membership of the Nato alliance, over the past week he has picked various quarrels with Washington, demanding, for instance, a separate headquarters for a new European defence force — an idea opposed by Britain and the US. He has criticised Mr Obama for calling for Turkish membership of the EU.
Mr Sarkozy also turned his guns on his fellow Europeans. He told the assembled MPs that Spain’s Socialist Government had decided to stop advertising on state television — a year after he did the same for France. “You know who they cited as the example?” Mr Sarkozy asked.
When a Socialist MP interjected: “You can say a lot of things about [José Luis Rodriguez] Zapatero . . .” Mr Sarkozy retorted: “Perhaps he’s not very clever — but I know people who were very clever and who did not make the second round of the presidential election.” That was a reference to Lionel Jospin, the former French Socialist leader who was knocked out by Jean-Marie Le Pen in the 2002 race.
Mr Sarkozy said that Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, had come round to his side on the economy at the G20 summit only when she realised that the German economy was in trouble. She “did not have any other choice but to rally to my position”, he said. José Manuel Barroso, the Portuguese President of the Commission, was described as “totally absent” from the G20 discussions.
He did, however, go on to extol the virtues of his favourite fellow leader. “The important thing in democracy is to be re-elected. Look at Berlusconi. He has been re-elected three times,” Mr Sarkozy said.
He also seems to have adopted Mr Berlusconi’s idea of tact. The Italian Prime Minister, who referred to Mr Obama as “suntanned”, used the same adjective while touring a makeshift school in L’Aquila yesterday. He said to a black priest: “My compliments, you are very suntanned,” and told a black boy: “I wish I had as much time to lie in the sun as you do.”
With the way Mr. Sarkozy thinks and talks about other political leaders, he shows some arrogance. Not suitable for a president of France nowadays.
Arnold Kramer, Ulestraten, Holland
Finally, the French have elected someone with a brain and a backbone.
John, STL, USA
I think Sarkozy and Michael O'Leary have much in common!
mike, Rennes, France
I was rooting for Segolene Royal for President last French election, myself.
James P, Boston, United States
Wow. A French George W. Bush.
James, Newcastle, UK
That man is an embarassment. For all their self-absorption and cultural narcissism, French presidents in the 20th century never fell below a certain standard. This man needs a touch of class very, very badly.
Vinzenz Hediger, Berlin, Germany
Richard,
Blair is Scottish!
dave, Jersey, C. I.
Is this what passes for French diplomacy?
Alastair, Alicante, Spain
A few people here understand the ironic tone. Indeed, Sarkozy likes Zapatero very much (like he likes Blair) because Zapatero is a Socialist who is different from the French Socialists. The words "not intelligent" were for the French Socialists, because they refuse any alliance with the Center party
fgabriel, paris,
Paying more attention to the internal problems of his country might benefit Mr. Sarkozy far more than displaying such naïveté and personal psychological insecurity.
FD Capobianco, Pasadena, CA, USA
I didn't care what they thought of the previous president and I don't care what they think of OUR president now.
Jay, San Francisco , U.S.
Re: Richard, Portsmouth...Blair was born in Edinburgh Scotland. All UK people are British citizens,not English..check your passport .No such thing as English nationality since 1707 .
Alexander, Malaga, España
This was reported in Liberation (anti-Sarkozy paper) but denied by everyone who was actually there when he "supposedly" make these remarks.
LG, Cannes, France
France as a counterbalance to the US???? Is that some kind of joke? It certainly made me laugh! Did Sarko say that? Maybe the French do understand irony after all...
Steve, London,
Dear Mr Sarkozy I like your ego,but I love Mr Obama's humbelness.He is out there to open a lot of doors not to closed them.Doesn't that show you who is a good leader.To be in charge and at the same time be one of the boys.Mr Obama posses those qualities.I will vote for Mr Obama any time.
B Clapci, Vancouver,
I am a French law student and I say « shame on us ». International press has to know we are undergoing his jealousy, his clumsiness, and his incompetence to express himself. As Mrs. Royal done it few days ago in Africa, and ask for forgiveness
Denis , Nancy , France
Please, do not pay him attention. He is surely not in position to point out defects on the others...
4 more years to hang on, yes we can!
jose, paris, france
Regarding Zapatero, M Sarkozy comments off record have been missunderstood. M Sarkozy answered to a French socialist (M Emmanuelli who haits Zapatero because he governs at the center) saying that perhaps he is stupid but he won elections contrary to French socialists! Nothing shocking....
paul, Paris, France
I don't support Sarkozy's views, but what Legend! He is actually becoming the comic relief of international politics.
Ben, High Wycombe, UK
But , don't forget he likes Berlusconi, and if you like Berlusconi.....
Manuel , Madrid, Spain
Mr. Sarkozy is hilarious, and I thank him for regularly providing us with such great entertainment :-) The Channel joke is a good one too :-)!!
Astrid, Brussels, Belgium
Why is anyone surprised at this? The French are better than everyone...just ask them.
Matt, NJ, USA
Mr Sarkozy is obviously very envious of Obama. No doubt Obama is short on experience but tall on intelligence. Obama listens and uses his intelligence in a very practical and down to earth manner. Sarkozy may be more senior but he does not have even half of Obama's intelligence to solve problems.
Sarala Devi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
It will be nice to see Zapatero an Sarkozy together next week in Spain..mmm!!
Sarko congratulations! Everybody is talking about you!!
Marta, Madrid,
Don't analyze so much: severely shortish guy but with huge ego tries to get even with much taller guys. End of story.
This is the same person who after being cheated on and dumped (again) by his wife takes his model girlfriend for their very 1st date to... Disneyland Paris, very discreet indeed
giorgio, roma, italia
Mr Sarkozy is awesome. right to the point.
Jerry, ColoradoCity,
I still do not understand why you wrote three different articles on this topic, no French newspaper talked about this comments off record except a socialist one, Libération.
Regarding strikes they are still less numerous in France than in Britain, the pb is that they are more visible
paul, Paris, France
This is a big insult on the Decent and charismatic President Obama..and coming from a proud and arrogant Sarkozy.We love Obama the way he is,willing to engage different govenments and ready to listen...I am highly disappointed in Sarkozy and hope he didn't make that statement.
Pam, London,
With weak opposition on the left, Sarkozy would likely be re-elected (if elections were held today) and his popularity ratings are quite low. That is not a measure of success. Just look at who Obama replaced. Bush, too, was re-elected.
Ira, Lyon, France
rich coming from sarkozy who practically allows his own citizens to "bossnap" CEO's becuase of fledging companies. the same guy who causing 100's of strikes every year by french workers
Liam, Aberdeen, Scotland
As an American living in France, I wonder about the accuracy of Sarkozy's quotes. As a translator, I wonder about their translations. We will see in the days ahead, but I think two things are fairly clear: (1) Sarko has a big ego; (2) Obama generally prefers soft to hard stances.
Victor Val Dere, Paris, France
Sarkozy could improve his diplomatic skill by spending some time with George Bush. Bush could give him some pointers on dealing with the other Europeans.
Roberto, Charlotte, US
Another little frenchman thinking on a grand scale. Either that or he spent way too much time talking to George Bush...either way, what a mess that turned out to be.
david, Silver Spring,
He is a joke to this world.
don, Adelaide,
Sarkozy, taking snipes at others... He's not the most powerful leader either, is he? Remember all the strikes, crisises? Although he has made some legit points, he should not wage a war of words with other nations like he has done. This is a time 4 unity, not to ensure your reelection...
Kevin, Lexington, USA
Imagine that, a man of power who thinks he is smarter, superior, and more important than others, how refreshing... perhaps 'Mr.' Sarkozy has had his own self importance inflated, because he recognizes his inferior looks yet wed a model..
s serna, San Francisco,
I think his views on the herd mentality of the media are spot on. Double standards exist and bias reporting is rife.
Edward, Geelong,
The old adage reads that the eye is the window to the soul. Perhaps Mr. Sarkozy believes a large mouth is the window to his soul...the irony must be lost on him, or he would have closed it already, yet he lacks the self awareness to recognize how much, and yet how little he is truly revealing.
Sara Ginsburg, Colorado Springs, CO,
"Sharko" is known for his obscure and esoteric counselors. One of them must have had a brilliant magical idea... And then the Comm Director at the Elysée Palace gets fired (in the middle of an interview at that :-) ... That's how it works... It's a show...
Goldten, Malmö,
A small man with a huge ego taking cheap shots at others. He has problems of his own and is deflecting those by pointing out half truths to others. What purpose are these comments other than to boost his personal ego. He tries so hard to say things with gravitas but it comes over as petulence.
Billy, Bangkok, Thailand
Actually his assessments are pretty accurate. Obama is green and new to realpolitik and I'm sure will therefore appear incdecisive to people who've been in the positions for some time. But because he listens and learns and will, I believe, "get there" sooner rather than later...
Billy Barnett, HK,
Is he a wrestler or a head of state??
Carlos, Weehawken, NJ
He just can't help making friends left, right and centre, can he?
As Kieron said, brings back memories of another 'mini-me' Frenchman...
John, London,
I agree that Sarkozy has correct view about Obama in some ways, but i ashamed of how he present it
Guillaume, Dijon, France
Long may he reign!
At least he gave us a laugh!
geoff, Birmingham, UK
by showing his appreciation of the mind set of the italian prime
minster mr.sarkozy is joining the ranks of the comedians-and
he is very welcome to it.
m.a.rahman, London,
As Terence said, "veritas odium parit."
Daniel Ortega, Madrid, Spain
Poor Sarkhozy certainly feels dwarfed by Obama's charisma ! <
Bignolas, Paris, France
I'm living in France this year and i have to say i've never witnessed a government caring so little about the population. The entire higher education system is a joke with the second semestre being wiped out by strikes on top of which theres been 2 black thursdays in 3 months great one mr president!
KT, Nantes, France
The only thing one can be sure of with France is that "They will be right there when they need us."
AL Paverd, Melbourne,
He is just jealous of the attention that Media and everyone paid to Mr. Barak Obama. Sarkozy in the past has shown his "attitudes" being bossy,demanding and with a bad temper, meaning,He just want to be the Centre of the Attention at every Summit,Mind your own Country Mr. Sarkozy. Suggest not impose
Tirza, Tegucigalpa, Honduras,Central America
Im spanish, and i could say/admit that very probably the average intelligence in France is higher than Spain(due to racism, culture facts, whever).
But this is for sure: Sarkozy is not a representation of it.
That once preppy and histeric elite-school kid now is a populist and demagogue fool.
Jota, Barcelona, Spain
Mr. Sarkozy needs to consume less wine.
Bill, Amarillo, Texas
The French will have an English President of Europe (Blair)soon so their own head of state will become irrelevant.
Richard, Portsmouth,
Mr Sarkozy has correctly sized up Obama's qualifications. Thats the only thing I can agree with Mr Sarkozy.
JJ, Austin, Texas
Good Lord I'm so ashamed to be French when I read that.
Lise, Brest, France
I'm sure Napoleon had similar attitudes...
Kieron, London,
Spot on although charitative on Zapatero.
Ricardo Moreno, Madrid, Spain
He's one to talk. Every week there are protests in France about race or the economy. And he has the audacity to call the US president inexperienced and ineffectual. He just became president and he's done a lot already. Closed down Guantanamo for one. Mr. Sarkozy worry about your country.
Marie , Eastern Townships, Canada
How NOT to be taken seriously!!
ian tindale, ho chi minh, vietnam
Oh yes, Europe is united, thats right. And our government want us to sign ourselves away to Europe, erm, why?
Arthur, Newcastle,
A little too much wind blown into his sails from his energetic new marriage perhaps?
Sergio, Malaga, Spain
He's certainly French. No mistake.
Tom Taylor-Duxbury , Ludlow, UK
Sarkozy should put his own house in order before criticising other leaders.Does he think he alone has the answer to world problems.
Joanne Moore, Ipswich, U.K
Mr Sarkozy hardly shines as a beacon of intellectualism himself -- France today is a place where kidnapping managers, blockading transport infrastructure hubs and riots appear to be the blunt instruments of choice for communication. Perhaps he should apply his "superior intellect" to these issues
Robert Henderson, Braintree, Essex, England
I guess the Sarkozy school of leadership believes that if you act important and feel important others will think you are important. Good luck with that the next time you meet your world leader buddies.
Jim, Tucson, US
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