Shots of the president and his beloved Carla showing their affection, lovers finally united. Image from www.20minutes.fr. French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his romantic lover Carla Bruni secretly married on February 3rd without anyone noticing. However, this is not Sarkozy’s first marriage, but his third, and possibly not his last. Nor is this model and singer Bruni’s only husband; no one knows if it will be her last either. In this romantic and gentle country, marriage is like a game, and divorce is not difficult. Recent polls have chilled the president’s heart, making him dare not show off in front of the media regarding this marital matter. He has obediently stayed within the Élysée Palace to complete his union. France now has a new First Lady—Carla Bruni. The president is no longer reckless; with a fixed, gentle companion by his side, he will no longer be lonely. This concludes the most sensational, dramatic, media-centric presidential love serial, which was more fascinating, real, and romantic than any TV drama. Yet no one can guarantee that marriage is the end of love; it merely opens a new prologue to the presidential love story.

Amidst the recent global economic recession and major financial scandals in France, coupled with weak purchasing power and social unrest, including nationwide strikes by taxi drivers and civil servants, President Nicolas Sarkozy hit rock bottom in the latest TNS-Sofres poll. His approval rating dropped from 63% to 41%, a shock to many (only 37% of polls showed confidence in his reforms, down 7 percentage points). The public expressed dissatisfaction with the president’s excessive exposure of his private life. It seemed he spent all day courting and living a lavish personal life (judging by media reports). Furthermore, as French society deteriorated, people naturally focused on personal issues and improving their reality. There was deep resentment toward this president who manipulated the media, along with skepticism about the results of his reform plans.

François Hollande, chairman of the opposition Socialist Party, answered reporters on this issue: “First, there is a lack of real solutions for the people’s purchasing power. Second, the French have lost confidence in the economic outlook, hitting rock bottom. Finally, there is dissatisfaction with the president’s personal attitude and behavior. Nicolas Sarkozy has paid a heavy price for his travels.” The president’s personal conduct also drew criticism from within his own party. Especially during the recent local elections, no candidate wanted the president to campaign for them. A spokesperson for the Élysée stated, “The president is here for reform, not to win hearts.”