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Sarkozy Buses In Short People to Look Taller

Height-challenged plant workers were chosen to stand behind French prez

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 7, 2009 6:42 AM CDT
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(Newser) – French President Nicolas Sarkozy looked particularly imposing during a televised speech last week—because he bused in specially vetted very short people to stand behind him, reports the Telegraph. The speech was held at a Faurecia motor technology plant in southern France. TV cameras caught buses bringing in 20 workers from various parts of the large factory compound. All admitted they were among the plant’s shortest employees.

Asked if she was chosen because she is even shorter than Sarkozy, who stands 5’ 5”, or 5’ 7” in the stacked heels he typically wears, one woman researcher replied: “There you have it.” The French, who didn’t mind when Sarkozy used a footstool to stand on par with Gordon Brown and Barack Obama at D-Day celebrations, are outraged this time. One political paper referred derisively to “Sarko Studio” and asked: “Have the French people been duped?”

Nicolas Sarkozyand French Industry Minister Christian Estrosi look at a car seat as during a visit to the Faurecia plant, in Caligny last week.
Nicolas Sarkozyand French Industry Minister Christian Estrosi look at a car seat as during a visit to the Faurecia plant, in Caligny last week.   (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Pool)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers a speech.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers a speech.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori, Pool)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers a speech as he visits the Faurecia plant, a French maker of spare parts for cars, in Caligny, northwestern France, last week.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers a speech as he visits the Faurecia plant, a French maker of spare parts for cars, in Caligny, northwestern France, last week.   (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
BackAgain
Sep 7, 2009 12:06 PM CDT
No wonder he and the half-breed get along. Ego Maniacs flock together.
RobN
Sep 7, 2009 7:39 AM CDT
Politicians do this all the time. Like when Obama didn't want the Muslim women standing behind him at the campaign stop. He knew what image is worth, and so does Sarkozy.
Janniel
Sep 7, 2009 2:23 AM CDT
I saw this headline and thought it might have been taken from The Onion. Looks like it is not an attempt at humor though. This calls his leadership abilities into question. Kind of pathetic that he would be so insecure and superficial, and still be the leader of a free country...sort of scary too.

 
Nicolas Sarkozy • France • public image • short

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