President Zarkosy plans leadership of Europe.

PARIS: President Nicolas Sarkozy of France strode into the Napoleon III salon of the Élysée Palace and staked his claim to the leadership of Europe.

It’s so refreshing to have an old allie’s return. Putting up with his predecessor was stifling, realizing that the general French population continued to exist under a regressive socialist govt. under the command of an old president wedged in era long gone.

Pres. Sarkozy made his position clear:

"I can't be criticized for wanting first place for France," Sarkozy said in an interview with The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune, his first with English-language news organizations since becoming president last May. He added, "If France doesn't take the lead, who will?"

"I want to tell the American people that the French people are their friends," he said. "We are not simply allies. We are friends. I am proud of being a friend of the Americans. You know, I am saying this to The New York Times, but I have said it to the French, which takes a little more courage and is a little more difficult. I have never concealed my admiration for American dynamism, for the fluidity of American society, for its ability to raise people of different identities to the very highest levels."

Feel welcome to read the speech in its entirety.