PARIS — French President Nicolas Sarkozy is giving himself an image makeover, trading in his flashy style for a more dignified demeanor.
Much has been made by the French media of Sarkozy’s jet-setting lifestyle, his affinity for Rolexes and private yachts, and his love life. But Sarkozy’s appearances in the past week have come in more traditional presidential roles.
Political observers say that might have to do with the president’s approval ratings dropping to about 40 percent. And last week, voters snubbed his conservative party in local elections.
“The magician didn’t realize his wand was broken,” said political analyst Jean-Luc Parodi. “The magic isn’t lost, but it will take a long time to repair.”
As part of his makeover, Sarkozy has channeled Charles de Gaulle — the general, Resistance leader and statesman. On Friday, the president paid homage to World War II Resistance heroes and toured a new state-of-the-art nuclear submarine named “Le Terrible.” De Gaulle in 1967 was the last president to visit the submarine building site in Normandy.
The Associated Press
