Nicolas Sarkozy and His Jogging Problem
by Shannon Geis
Recently elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy enjoys his exercise. Much to the chagrin of many French citizens, he goes jogging on a regular basis. To Americans, this practice seems normal and common. It is a sign that the president is interested in his own health and well-being. It first became a presidential habit when Bill Clinton made it a regular activity during his tenure in the White House. George W. Bush has also taken up the habit while in office.
However, the French do not view this activity in quite the same light as the Americans. In fact, many French intellectuals have urged Sarkozy to stop. Alain Finkelkraut, a celebrated philosopher, stresses walking over jogging. He advised, "Western civilization, in its best sense, was born with the promenade. Walking is a sensitive, spiritual act. Jogging is management of the body. The jogger says I am in control. It has nothing to do with meditation." But despite the disapproval, Sarkozy shows no sign of stopping his exercise.
Sarkozy's jogging habit is very symbolic of his policies. He came into office with a long list of reforms. He was elected in May on the idea that he would revitalize France. And so far he has been relentless in working to make his reforms. His pace has been so energetic that he has been nicknamed the "hyperpresident." And while the French public is supportive of his actions so far, there are many critics of his pace and aggressiveness.
One issue that he has been extremely aggressive about in his few months in office is the French economy. He has been determined to invigorate the French economy, which lately hasn't been doing so well. He tried several methods to do this. One policy he hopes to implement is a large tax cut. There is much criticism for this move because the French government is facing a budget deficit that is into the billions. French Prime Minister, Francois Fillon, is one of the most prominent critics. He has expressed concern, explaining that France is bankrupt and the worst action to take is cutting taxes.
In order to justify his move, Sarkozy is planning to cut public pension plans drastically from their current size. This is an interesting move on Sarkozy's part considering France's heavy dependence on social programs.
Sarkozy has also been extremely insistent in asking the European Central Bank to lower interest rates. His pressure on Jean-Claude Trichet, current president of the ECB and fellow Frenchman, has freshtrated Trichet who initially tried to ignore the president but has begun to criticize Sarkozy's aggressiveness. Perhaps Sarkozy is feeling the pressure. He promised the French an economic increase of 2.5%, but predictions place the actual increase much lower at 1.8%.
Sarkozy has also been forward regarding foreign affairs. He has big plans for France. He hopes to not only reenter NATO but lead the international organization. He is also taking Iran very seriously, promoting strong sanctions against the country unless they agree to discontinue nuclear weapon programs. These ideas are a significant change from a country that has long avoided involvement in foreign conflicts.
In fact, these actions have a strong resemblance to policies made by President George W. Bush and the United States. Sarkozy, who at times appears to be modeling his leadership and government after that of the US president, has been working hard to increase ties with him. He spent his first holiday as President in the United States.
So is it any surprise that his pastime of choice is so closely linked to the Americans? President Sarkozy may be able to win the affection of the U.S. government this way but the French seem to like their presidents to be the kind that walk and contemplate rather than the aggressive running type.
