Massive Paris Police Action Quells Riots

Attacks against officers won't be tolerated, he says

(NEWSER) - Nicolas Sarkozy vowed to bring armed rioters to justice after visiting wounded policemen in the hospital today, saying, “Opening fire at officials has a name—attempted murder.” More police were deployed last night, bringing violence down, but buildings and cars were burned throughout Paris and Toulouse, the BBC reports. Sarkozy also promised a judicial inquiry into the deaths that ignited the riots. More»

(NEWSER) - Seven French politicians, including President Nicolas Sarkozy, have received death threats accompanied by live ammunition, the Independent reports. The letters, which included 9mm rounds, were signed by an unknown group called Solidarity Earth. Though the name perhaps suggests an environmental group, and anti-terrorism officials are investigating, those in the know attribute the act to a “disturbed individual.” More»

Target was Sarkozy's law firm's building

(NEWSER) - A bomb exploded in a Paris office building today, killing a secretary and seriously injuring at least one other person, Bloomberg reports. The parcel was addressed to the fourth floor, which houses the Shoah Foundation, a Holocaust research group. The building is also home to Nicolas Sarkozy’s former law firm. A second suspect package is being defused in the now-cordoned off building. More»

Rival shrugs as president officially launches bid

(NEWSER) - To the surprise of nobody in France, Nicolas Sarkozy has announced that he's seeking a second term as president. He officially launched his re-election bid in a TV interview last night, comparing himself to a "ship captain whose boat is in the thick of a storm," and promising that "if the French trust me and give me another five years in office, these five years will not be the same as the first.” More»

Financial transactions to be taxed starting this summer

(NEWSER) - With the French presidential election just three months away, Nicolas Sarkozy took to the airwaves last night to tell voters about a tax hike. The president announced a sales tax rise from 19.6% to 21.2% and a new "Robin Hood" tax on financial transactions, the BBC reports. Sarkozy said he wants to "create a shockwave" with the 0.1% levy and he hopes other European countries will soon follow his lead. More»