[robert561]

He might be liberal by our standards, but he’s as conservative as France will get and I’m glad he’s trying to whip that place into shape

[Kaslin]

Sarkosy is far from being a liberal

[Windflier]

He might be liberal by our standards...

Did you read his list of accomplishments in the article? Heck, I'll take that sort of liberal any day of the week. He's done some things that even Ronaldus Magnus couldn't manage.

[Shery]

Considering how difficult change in Europe can be, especially in a state gripped by socialism for several decades, if not the whole 20th century, this is remarkable. He may not be perfect, but each of us would probably have a different idea of what the perfect president would do and say.

Living nearby in Germany, I'd say that France is not as prosperous as Germany has been. But then, France kicked the US troops out way back when and Germany still enjoys the economic perks with billions of dollars flowing into business, housing, etc. Germany can partly afford their style of socialism because we support their economy so well. Even here, though, they have had to make cuts in benefits, especially in the health-care industry. It used to be free, but is now co-pay.

Also in France, you have a lot of youth who are from the middle east, Africa, etc. They have not assimilated well in the culture and are easy to stir up.

I'd say the average Frenchman/woman are glad they have a president with some backbone. What he asked for was not really that great a difference, but you'd think he was “drawing blood” from the reaction to it!