Sarko's Baptism Of Fire
June 6th, 2007
Nicolas Sarkozy - "Sarko" to his countrymen - is enjoying a rare honeymoon. The hyperactive new president's approval ratings are at an all-time high of 65 per cent among his Gallic compatriots.
Despite the bucolic setting of the Baltic resort of Heiligendamm serving as the backdrop to his first G8, don't expect him to shy away from heated discussions. Sarkozy stated previously that he wants a "frank" dialogue with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
During his election campaign, Sarko criticised the Russian leader for having "blood on his hands" from the Chechnyan conflict. This frosty relationship will only get colder with France's decision to back US plans to base a new missile-defence system in Europe.
However, don't expect Sarkozy, who often jogs in a New York Police Department t-shirt, to run alongside George Bush on every issue. Climate-change will be high up on his agenda, but he hopes to convince the US to join him in this.
"If the first world power does not lead the way, it will be difficult to drive the others," he said.
picture by francois lafitte
