Daniel Korski

Sarkozy revs up Franco-German motor, leaving Britain behind

Last week, French President Sarkozy spoke to the annual gathering of his country’s ambassadors. Since he came to power, the French leader has used the annual event to welcome his countrymen back from their holidays and garner a few headlines. This year proved no different with an attack on the Iranian regime receiving the most attention.

In a powerful line, the French president pointed out: “It is the same leaders in Iran who say that the nuclear programme is peaceful and that the elections were honest. Who can believe them?” He went on to say that he thought tougher sanctions would have to be discussed if Tehran does not change its position.

But the speech was boilerplate Sarkozy – expansive, energetic, and ambitious. Highlights included an exultation at the “return of the state” as a result of the financial crisis and a need to further tame markets, starting at the planned G20 meeting in Pittsburg.

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