One question that appears to be common and currently doing the rounds in France, whether it is politicians or common people alike is “Has French President Sarkozy married his girl-friend Ms.Bruni secretly?
Mr.Sarkozy has been hitting the headlines of newspapers, tabloids, celebrity magazine or for that matter name any media for more reasons more on his private life rather than the public acts. His private acts in the public places has resulted in consistent erosion of his popularity over a period of time and the rumors that he has secretly married his girlfriend Ms.Bruni has only added to this. His rating has dropped to a level of 50%, with a record drop of 10% in the last two months alone. This implies that the number of French people disapproving him is more than the numbers that approve his Presidency.
The drop in rating is attributed to two factors. There has been an increasing concern on his lack of performance in the economic front. The second appears to be subjective
factor of value judgment. There is a negative perception on this count on his style of public life in private places.
According to analysts, the French President on the one hand has neglected the interests of the people and on the other hand leading a luxurious life. This was reflected in a bitter comment of the Opposition Leader Mr.Segolen Royal. To quote his comments ‘we have a President who lives like a millionaire and has forgotten his campaign promises.
His own party members have shown signs of unease over the covering of the President and his girlfriend in the Celebrity Press. Though they have not yet ventilated their anger or frustration in public, some of the comments made by the members of his government or party point towards such a distress. A Minister had commented that ‘All of these headlines in Celebrity Magazines like Voic, Gala…. It does not sit well with the rightwing electorate.’ Presspersons reported that they have overheard a senior member in the corridors of the National Assembly discuss the striking resemblance between Ms.Bruni, his current girlfriend or may be the wife by this time with Ms.Cecilia, his former wife and concluded that the developments were worrisome.
However the real outcome of all these developments would be known only when he is slotted to face his first test in the municipal elections to be held in March this year. Until then, the President may not take cognizance of what is going on around him.
If at all the secret marriage has taken place which is so far neither confirmed nor denied by Elyse Palace, it would bring a relief to the Indian Protocol Department as this would simplify a complex situation for them. This is because Ms.Bruni is tipped to accompany the French President to India wherein the President would participate in the Republic Day Celebrations as a chief guest.