That Nicolas Sarkozy is contemplating his comeback is hardly a secret in France.
Now one of the former president's most high-profile supporters and confidantes, the former first lady Bernadette Chirac, has confirmed Sarkozy is planning a return to the political fray.
Asked by Europe 1 radio on Wednesday whether she thought he would stand against the Socialist president François Hollande in three years, Chirac, replied: "I hope so!"
Pressed as to whether she had inside information, she said: "Ah, but I'm not allowed to say it," before finally admitting that Sarkozy had spoken to her and was indeed planning to stand in 2017.
"Well obviously," she told the radio station, adding: "But, he's going to tell me off for this."
Chirac, whose husband Jacques was president between 1995 and 2007 when he was succeeded by Sarkozy, has made little secret of her hopes of seeing the centre-right candidate make a comeback. While Sarkozy has refused to comment, he has indicated to friends that he is inclined to stand for a second term in office in 2017. » | Kim Willsher in Paris | Wednesday, January 22, 2014
