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Tend to agree with what !@.... said. France is in the middle of a very volatile period, following riots in Paris last year, strained diplomatic relations - not just with the US but with much of Europe too - economic uncertainty, etc.
While I'm instinctively sympathetic with Royal's politics, she lacked the dynamism necessary to face these challanges. My biggest fear is that, under Sarkozy, France confronts its problems by ignoring causes and simply concentrates on clamping down on effects.
The way in which he deals with the issue of, for example, muslim extremism could have major repercussions on the way countries like Britain confront such issues. If by taking a particularly hardline attitude he is seen to be having an effect, it'll put pressure on other governments to follow suit.
Needless to say the rest of Europe will be watching Sarkozy's every move with great interest.
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