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'Prince Jean' Sarkozy Drops Bid for Post

Nearly-law-grad vows to continue in politics, denies nepotism

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 23, 2009 1:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – Nicholas Sarkozy's son Jean has dropped his bid to run France's most important business district. The 23-year-old law student, whose move to take over the $150,000 Paris job sparked accusations of nepotism and street protests, announced he didn't want a "tainted" victory. Sarkozy said his "passion for politics" remains, and he'll continue in public life, reports the BBC.

Critics had complained that the move to install Sarkozy in the post held by his father until 2007 made France seem like a banana republic. "This is the voice of wisdom," said a suburban mayor after learning Sarkozy had pulled out of the running. "This candidacy had no legitimacy whatsoever and was widely felt as a real provocation by the French and their local elected officials.”

Jean Sarkozy, son of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, walks past reporters in Neuilly Sur Seine, west of Paris.
Jean Sarkozy, son of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, walks past reporters in Neuilly Sur Seine, west of Paris.   (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, file)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy shakes  hands with son Jean Sarkozy during a commemorative ceremony at the Mont Valerien memorial in Suresnes, west of Paris.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy shakes hands with son Jean Sarkozy during a commemorative ceremony at the Mont Valerien memorial in Suresnes, west of Paris.   (AP Photo/Chales Platiau, pool, File)
A view of part of the La Defense district in Paris, France's biggest business district.
A view of part of the La Defense district in Paris, France's biggest business district.   (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
cochiserocks
Oct 23, 2009 8:37 AM CDT
He almost got away with it - close......but no cigar! That's one of the great things about the French - they appear all chilled out and laissez faire, but when it comes down to the wire - if they're pissed - you don't want to be in the firing line - They chopped off heads to put their democracy in place, and they're still more than willing to man the barricades to defend it!
johntitor
Oct 23, 2009 6:48 AM CDT
Still my perceptions have been changed a little. He made a wise choice, he's only 23 and with his families name, nepotism or not he'll get another shot. If he really does have a "passion for politics" or rather a streak for public service then he made the right move, got noticed and preserved his credibility with fairly good grace. Decent form I say.

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