While the very conservative United States of America would by no means tolerate their head of state divorcing during his presidential term, France has taken a new turn with President Nicolas Sarkozy, 6 months only after the election.
In October 2007, the presidential office announced that Sarkozy had filed for divorce from his wife Cecilia Ciganer-Albeliz - a former supermodel whom he had met when he was mayor of Neuilly in the 1980's... when he had actually officiated her wedding.
In January 2008, Sarkozy publicly announced his "serious relationship" with Carla Bruni - a supermodel and musician. They were photographed at EuroDisney, and taking a vacation in Egypt.
It has been all over the news for quite a while now, and lots of people see this as regular jetset material. But it is quite a unique event since Sarkozy's predecessors have had countless lovers, and yet they never publicly discussed it (Mitterand, Chirac...)
Moreover, such a public outlet of a President's private life is not new. But the fact that it is discussed and acknowledged by the President himself is quite unusual. Is Sarko trying to gain the population's trust by stating the obvious? Well it is true that he does always say what he means (e.g. referring to urban vandals as "rabble" (racaille) during the Paris riots)
Anyway, quoting French comedian Anne Roumanoff:
"It would be alright if she (Carla Bruni) became the First Lady. But what if Hilary (Clinton) got elected? You know, Sarko would visit her, and during the official presidential meetings the spouses would keep each other company.... and knowing Bill (Clinton) and Carla.... it might provoke serious tension between France and the US." (see youtube clip here)
Roumanoff is of course referring to the fact that Bruni is infamous for dating Donald Trump and breaking up Mick Jagger's marriage. While Bill... well, you remember Monica Lewinsky ;)
You will of course understand that i'm French-Canadian and everything our big sister France does is of interest ;) On a related note, Patrick called me tonight to let me know that he has booked his flight to Bali - meaning I will meet a very good French friend in Indonesia in about a month! That's something to look forward to !!
