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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Sarkozy: 'I Made Some Mistakes'

Vows to 'stay the course' on French TV

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(Newser) – French President Nicolas Sarkozy defended his first year in office in a TV interview but admitted he made mistakes, reports the BBC. It's been a rough debut. His controversial policies—met by fierce opposition in certain sectors— have failed to reverse an economic downturn, and his flashy courtship of model Carla Bruni sparked complaints that he wasn't focusing on work. His private life is now "back under control," he assured listeners.

"Without doubt, we didn't explain enough," he said. "Without doubt, I myself made some mistakes. I can see very well that there is discontent—but I also know where I am going and I am convinced there is no other strategy. France has been asleep for the past 25 years."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, arrive at a state dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, arrive at a state dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris.   (AP Photo/Philippe Wojazer, Pool, File)
Students take part in a march to protest job cuts in schools. The conservative government of French President Nicolas Sarkozy plans to cut 11,200 jobs in the education system.
Students take part in a march to protest job cuts in schools. The conservative government of French President Nicolas Sarkozy plans to cut 11,200 jobs in the education system.   (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy attends a prime time television interview at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy attends a prime time television interview at the Elysee Palace in Paris.   (AP Photo)
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