Nicolas Sarkozy promoted, this Wednesday, August 23 on TF1, his latest book Le temps des combats, the second volume of his memoirs. He recounts his five-year term, from 2007 to 2012, crushing many of his political opponents.
The only personality who finds favor in his eyes turns out to be Gérald Darmanin. He is full of praise for his former spokesman, now interior minister. “His success would make me happy,” he admits, believing that he “has obvious qualities”.
Questioned by Gilles Bouleau, the former head of state swept away many current topics. The first related to Ukraine – he positioned himself against the entry of Kiev into NATO and the European Union – while at the same time a plane crashed in Russia in which could be Wagner’s boss, Yevgueni Prigojine.
War in Ukraine: “Find a solution that preserves the interests” of the two countries
For Nicolas Sarkozy, “there are two ways to win the war : annihilate the adversary or discuss with him in order to find a compromise.” “We must stop talking about buying planes, ammunition, tanks. We must find a solution that preserves the interests of both countries.
Ex-head of state says Vladimir Putin committed ‘serious misconduct’ as he faces war crime charges of ‘illegal deportation’ of Ukrainian children since Russian invasion began in late February 2022.”I know thatihe was guilty in Georgia and is now guilty in Ukraine”he analyzes.
And to continue: “The world and Europe are dancing on the edge of a volcano. It can go wrong at any moment. There have been enough deaths and it seems to me that diplomacy has not been used to the end.”
Immigration: “The worst is yet to come”
“In France, today, we can’t talk about anything. You say the word immigration, you’re a racist. You say: there is a problem in the suburbs, you are on the far right”, denounced Nicolas Sarkozy.
Regarding immigration, he believes that “the worst is yet to come”. It is necessary, according to him, to strengthen ties with Africa to set up centers for processing asylum applications on the other side of the Mediterranean.
“It was obvious that we had to support Mr. Macron”
Nicolas Sarkozy justified his support for Emmanuel Macron during the last presidential elections. “I didn’t want Monsieur Mélenchon and Madame le Pen. It was obvious that we had to support Mr. Macron.”
And to add: “He was the bulwark against the far left and the far right.” In 2027, the “only bulwark” against the RN candidate will come from a “Republican right-wing candidate“, capable of “federating the right-wing elements who are in Mr. Macron’s majority and the right-wing elements who are in the opposition.” “Without unity between these two camps, nothing will be possible.”
Court cases: “I have nothing to reproach myself for”
Among the (many) ongoing court cases, Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced at first instance to three years in prison, one of which was firm for corruption and influence peddling in the so-called Bismuth affair. A sentence confirmed last May by the Paris Court of Appeal. He appealed in cassation. This Wednesday evening, the former President of the Republic proclaims his innocence more than ever. If his power is rejected, he will go to the European Court of Human Rights.
“I have always assumed my responsibilities. I am the man who has been the most inspected, the most controlled. Nothing conclusive was found against me,” he claimed.I have nothing to reproach myself. I didn’t embezzle a penny“, believing to be a judiciary “neither above nor below the law.” And to conclude: “I will not lower my head for something that I did not commit, I will not betray the French.
“Witchcraft trials” against Geoffroy Lejeune and Vincent Bolloré
The former editor of “Valeurs Actuelles” Geoffroy Lejeune officially took over as head of the “Journal du Dimanche” on Tuesday 1 August. That same day, an agreement was reached for the end of a historic strike that lasted 38 days. Journalists feared an extreme right-winging of the editorial line while warning about the independence of the press.
Nicolas Sarkozy believes that the takeover of the Lagardère group by Vincent Bolloré and the arrival of Geoffroy Lejeune at the head of the new formula is good news for journalism. “Do we not have the right to have a newspaper committed to the centre-right? In France not everyone is on the left. I am for pluralism,” he said.
He laments in passingthe witchcraft trials for the new director of the JDD or the new owner of the Lagardère group. [Vincent Bolloré] for whom I have affection, which does the honor of the French economy.”
2023-08-23 23:38:57
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