President Sarkozy and beloved Carla Bruni’s intimate trip to the Egyptian pyramids, image from www.20minutes.fr. The French romance is visible; no need for secrecy. Love is natural, making life most beautiful. People often ask if Paris is romantic? Undeniably yes. The entire city exudes a unique atmosphere of tenderness. Only with sensitivity can one grasp this mysterious, ineffable vibe, turning "Paris" into a synonym for romance, where flowers themselves seem bewitching.

French romance dares to love deeply, passionately, even forgetting oneself. It elevates hell to heaven, dissolving all barriers and sublimating heart and spirit. Love is personal. Though head of state, Sarkozy shares common human emotions; they are not hidden by office. In today’s media age, public and private lives are exposed. Sarkozy cleverly turned his private life into celebrity gossip to please the public. Even serious news outlets now thrive on presidential romances. Unlike conservative politics elsewhere or Taiwan’s ambiguity, France’s open romance seems a unique specialty.

Divorced less than three months, the French president quickly fell into romance. Gossip reports him dating TV anchors, singers, or models. On Christmas Eve, he appeared hand-in-hand with girlfriend Carla Bruni at Disneyland Paris, no longer alone, blessed by the public. During New Year holidays, they visited Egypt, embracing before the pyramids, performing Romeo and Juliet. They then toured Jordan, continuing their captivating love story.

On January 24, President Nicolas Sarkozy officially visited India. The Indian government struggled with protocol: how to receive a president accompanied by a girlfriend, not First Lady? This diplomatic first was dramatic. Like everything else with Sarkozy, even love stories are theatrical. This whirlwind romance led to marriage. Yesterday’s JDD reported Sarkozy would marry model/singer Carla Bruni on February 9. At a press conference, he said, “I am serious. The date is not from the tabloid.” Decisive action is his principle. We wish them happiness. Perhaps wishing for old age is too solemn (his third wedding, possibly not last). We wish them well-being and national peace.

Facing this romance, some French citizens question the president. He often urges harder work, yet seems focused on personal games. Some complain he neglects politics and livelihoods, hiding behind slogans. Recent CSA polls show Sarkozy’s approval dropped seven points to 48% (from 60%), ending his honeymoon period—the lowest in eight months. 45% distrust Prime Minister François Fillon. Continued decline may lead to reform difficulties, reduced purchasing power, inflation, and unemployment, requiring wise strategies to solve France’s social predicament.

January 8, 2008, Paris