President Lagarde?

When President Nicolas Sarkozy dispatched Dominque Strauss-Kahn to the IMF in 2007, he did it to remove a potential competitor. Now, however, the French president may be trying to do the opposite: use the IMF post to create an heir and successor in finance minister Christine Lagarde.

Lagarde was on Today this morning, explaining why she was ideal for the job:

“Firstly, because I want it… Second, because I can do it…. Number three, because I would be extremely proud to do it.”

If she lands the IMF job, which seems likely, she will be well placed, as DSK was, to make a run for the Elysee in 2017, whether Sarkozy wins in 2012 or not. If she were to win she would probably be France’s first female president, as I doubt that Martine or Marine (Mdme Aubry and Mdme Le Pen, that is) will win next year, whatever the polls