Sarkozy to return to politics with 'new choice'
Energetic former leader says he 'couldn't remain a spectator' in a move welcomed by his rivals
Former president Nicolas Sarkozy announced his return to French politics yesterday, taking to Facebook to offer disenchanted voters a "new political choice" amid a deep political and economic crisis.
After several months of "will he, won't he", France's ex-leader announced his return to the cut-throat political front line despite being directly or indirectly involved in several graft probes.
The energetic 59-year-old - who inspires hate and adoration in roughly equal measure - made the announcement in a very 21st century way, via a declaration on his Facebook page: "After a lengthy period of reflection, I have decided to offer the French people a new political choice."
He could not "remain a spectator given the situation in which France finds itself, given the destruction of political debate and the persistence of the derisory splits within the opposition". A political heavyweight who earned the nickname "bling-bling" for his flashy style, Sarkozy once told journalists they would never hear from him again if he lost the 2012 polls.
His comeback has emerged as his one-time nemesis Francois Hollande struggles to contain an economic crisis that has seen his popularity sink to record lows. Experts say Sarkozy's return might boost Hollande, as it will deflect attention from his failures and give him someone to aim at.
Asked whether the Socialists wanted Sarkozy back, a top Hollande ally, Jean-Marie Le Guen, replied: "Of course! We've been on our own in the ring for two years now."