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Sarkozy Puts France on Speed

Sarkozy is 'the most important European leader of his time,' writes Cohen

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 17, 2008 8:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – His love life may be distracting and his poll ratings may be low, but Nicolas Sarkozy is "a tonic to his country and the most important European leader of his time," writes New York Times columnist Roger Cohen. In just 14 months the French president has led a sea change in foreign policy with the US, Israel, NATO, and North Africa. And on the domestic front, the former bedrock of Old Europe is now "on amphetamines."

There's lots to dislike about Sarko, from his "shameful" attempts to muzzle media dissent to his hardline opposition to Turkish EU accession. But the hyperpresident is a godsend to stultified France, a welcome change from earlier monarchical French leaders, and an antidote to the dourness of Gordon Brown and Angela Merkel. The proof Sarkozy has changed the nation? Even the Socialists are repping their love of the free market.

France's president Nicolas Sarkozy reacts, during a press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday, May 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is surrounded by police officers during the traditional July 14th Garden Party at the Elysee Palace in Paris Monday July 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni attend a formal dinner after a Mediterranean Summit meeting at the Petit Palais in Paris, Sunday July 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy gestures while speaking during a media conference after a Mediterranean Summit meeting at the Grand Palais in Paris, Sunday July 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)

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Sarkozy Puts France on Speed

Sarkozy is 'the most important European leader of his time,' writes Cohen

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Czechs, Brits Reject Deal to Save EU Economy

Critics attack European Union's fiscal belt-tightening deal

Sarkozy Unveils 'Robin Hood' Tax

Financial transactions to be taxed starting this summer

Portugal May Need a 2nd Bailout

Country's troubles likened to Greek crisis

EU Rolls Out Embargo on Iran Oil

May also freeze central bank's assets

France Toughens Citizenship Gauntlet

Now citizens must pass test of language, 'values'

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Sarkozy Puts France on Speed

Sarkozy is 'the most important European leader of his time,' writes Cohen

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

European Union • Europe • Nicolas Sarkozy • France • French politics • French president

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Czechs, Brits Reject Deal to Save EU Economy

Critics attack European Union's fiscal belt-tightening deal

Sarkozy Unveils 'Robin Hood' Tax

Financial transactions to be taxed starting this summer

Portugal May Need a 2nd Bailout

Country's troubles likened to Greek crisis

EU Rolls Out Embargo on Iran Oil

May also freeze central bank's assets

France Toughens Citizenship Gauntlet

Now citizens must pass test of language, 'values'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?