Media spotlight on Sarkozy's wife as separation rumours fly

[kskiska]

Source: The Guardian

There was renewed speculation in France yesterday over the relationship between President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Cécilia. But the Elysée palace refused to comment on rumours that the president and his wife might announce their separation.

The president's spokesman, David Martinon, told a press briefing: "I don't comment on newsroom rumours, and certainly not that one." Asked whether Ms Sarkozy would go with her husband to Moscow next week, he said: "I don't know."

In a country where politicians' private lives were once off limits, media speculation about Ms Sarkozy's role abounded this week after she declined to accompany her husband to Bulgaria. She was to accept the country's highest medal of honour after she negotiated with Muammar Gadafy to secure the release of Bulgarian nurses imprisoned in Libya.

"Where has Cécilia gone?" asked Le Parisien of the first lady, who has appeared beside her husband only fitfully since his election victory in May. Her spokeswoman, Carina Alfonso Martin, said the Sarkozys had decided together that she would stay at home because her diplomatic foray in Libya had prompted so much controversy in France. She added: "It is not always easy. Either way, if she does something or if she doesn't do something, she is criticised."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2184837,00.html

[babylonsister]

1. She's what's known as a 'pistol' in the olden days. Sigh.

And I'm not that old!

[sasquatch]

2. Does Sarkozy have three mistresses instead of his maximum two?

:D