FRANCE:Has Nicolas Sarkozy lost his magic touch? Only three days ago, the French interior minister and leader of the right-wing UMP party promised a "surprise" for the formal announcement of his presidential candidacy. But a group interview published by 60 regional newspapers yesterday was widely considered a damp squib.
"My answer is yes," Mr Sarkozy said when asked whether he was a candidate for the presidential election.
Mr Sarkozy began campaigning 4½ years ago, so it was hardly a surprise. "Knowing Sarkozy, we expected something spectacular," said a disappointed editorialist in L'Indépendant, adding: "We might have imagined him piloting a small aircraft through the Arc de Triomphe, landing it on the Champs-Élysées and unfurling a banner saying 'I'm a candidate'."
Mr Sarkozy said he will no longer be interior minister at the time of the first round next April 22nd, but refused to say when he will step down. His decision was "the choice of a lifetime" he said, adding that his ambition is "to create a new relationship with the French based on two words: confidence and respect".
The right-wing candidate sought to reassure voters frightened by his promise of a "rupture" or break with past and present policies. "Rupture doesn't mean crisis," he said. "I want to break with the idea that you can work less and earn more, that you can let everyone in and integrate them, that you democratise education by lowering requirements. I want French society to move. I want a tranquil rupture."
The policies of Mr Sarkozy and the socialist candidate Ségolène Royal sometimes seem to converge. In his announcement/interview,Mr Sarkozy said his plan for France was designed "for those who have known difficulties, feel fragile or who think that nothing is ever for them".
When she accepted her party's candidacy last Sunday, Ms Royal appealed to "all those who think they count for nothing and who don't know what tomorrow will bring".
Both candidates hope to win over the other's electorate.
"Ségolène Royal is going to try to convince people that she can provide security, and I will try to convince them I can raise their purchasing power," Mr Sarkozy said.
Twelve years ago, President Jacques Chirac, with whom Mr Sarkozy has a tense relationship, announced his candidacy in the regional newspaper La Voix du Nord, so it seemed strange that Mr Sarkozy chose a similar method.
He reportedly wanted to avoid announcing his candidacy on November 29th, Mr Chirac's 74th birthday, and embargoed the text of the group interview until yesterday.
But the plan backfired when Libérationnewspaper published the text on its website on Wednesday night.
The centre of gravity in the presidential campaign has shifted towards Ms Royal since she won the socialist primary on November 16th. Ms Royal called on the UMP to undertake a similar exercise in democracy.
The UMP has since organised three debates, to take place on December 7th, 15th and 21st.
Wanting to avoid a coronation at the party's congress on January 14th, Mr Sarkozy appealed for candidates to stand against him. Le Figaroyesterday reported that defence minister Michèle Alliot-Marie will announce her own candidacy in the next two weeks. President Chirac has refused to say whether he will stand for a third term.
The prime minister, Dominique de Villepin, has also made a mystery of his intentions. The right remains divided, especially when compared to the unity now demonstrated by the socialists.