FRANCE: President Nicolas Sarkozy says he will quit politics if he loses presidential election

Record ID: 860322

  • Title: FRANCE: President Nicolas Sarkozy says he will quit politics if he loses presidential election
  • Date: 5th May 2012
  • Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (MAY 3, 2012) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF ACTIVISTS FROM SARKOZY'S UMP PARTY UNPACKING POSTERS FROM VAN VARIOUS OF ACTIVISTS FLY POSTING CAMPAIGN POSTERS ON WALLS OVERNIGHT VARIOUS OF SARKOZY POSTERS PARIS, FRANCE (MAY 4, 2012) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF EUROPE 1 RADIO VARIOUS OF FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY ARRIVING
  • Embargoed: 20th May 2012 13:00
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  • Location: France
  • City:
  • Country: France
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA3YAP8RY2GHRO9U4PIWAYLDD77
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  • Story Text: Supporters from Nicolas Sarkozy's party launched a final assault on the walls of the French capital overnight (May 3/4) as the French president hinted he would quit politics if he loses presidential elections this weekend, as opinion polls are currently predicting.
    In a marathon interview with Europe 1 radio, among the final in a very long series of media appearances, Sarkozy told interviewer Jean-Pierre Elkabbach that if he won he would preside and govern.
    "If the French make another choice, I have said it: at that moment, things will be over. It's normal. That's my view of engagement. I know that if he (Hollande) isn't elected, he'll continue as he did before. That's his choice," Sarkozy said.
    Across town, Socialist contender Francois Hollande paid tribute to Sarkozy's talent on the campaign trail and in debates.
    "I know the strength of his convictions and his talent in debates. But where he made a mistake was to underestimate me," he said.
    Latest opinion polls give Hollande an average lead of six points over Sarkozy.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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