France begins to grow weary with the Sarkozy soap opera

Source: The Guardian

Even Nicolas Sarkozy's supporters are starting to tire of his all-too-public romance with model-turned-singer Carla Bruni

Smooching their way through a five-course lunch yesterday at an exclusive Paris restaurant, President Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni made it clear that they care nothing for what anyone thinks, including their gooseberry guest of honour, Tony Blair. The former PM was invited to the five-star Hotel Bristol after addressing a rally of Sarkozy's Union for a Popular Movement party. But all eyes were on the 40-year-old Bruni, who every now and again lifted her sunglasses to lean in and nuzzle the presidential cheek. Sarkozy reciprocated with kisses and cuddles, oblivious of any uncomfortable fidgeting from those around them.

Yesterday's social gathering, which included Justice Minister Rachida Dati and former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, was the latest display of a love that began just two months ago but is already prompting talk of weddings and babies.

It was last November when, alone beneath the chandeliers in the quiet elegance of his official residence, the newly divorced President was bored. 'He called me,' says Jacques Séguéla. 'He said: "Invite me to dinner with your gang. I can't face any more evenings alone at the Elysée Palace." Nicolas was very low.'

Now he gives every appearance of being very high - in cabinet meetings the President has giggling fits - after advertising executive Séguéla introduced Sarkozy, 52, to Bruni. A nation that had never so much as seen one of its Presidents wearing a T-shirt has been confronted with a whirlwind romance and the shock of seeing the photographers of even their more serious publications with lenses firmly trained on his ring finger and her tummy.

Read more: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2239940,00.html

:puke:

France you blew it! :eyes: