Breastfeeding Is Slavery (But It Lets Men Off the Hook): Sarkozy Angers Mothers with 'Macho' Comments
MAIL ONLINE: It is a statement that is likely to raise the hackles of women everywhere.

In what many would consider to be a clumsy and insensitive move, Nicolas Sarkozy has publicly described breastfeeding as 'slavery'.

While most women would welcome their husband's sensitivity and discretion on such matters, Mr Sarkozy has spoken out about wife Carla Bruni's struggle to produce enough milk for their newborn baby.

The French president, 55, also said a mother's feeding 'freed men of blame' for not getting up at night to give the infant a bottle.

Former supermodel Ms Bruni, 44, gave birth to the couple's first child together - a girl named Giulia - four weeks ago.

It was the first child ever to be born to a president while in office in France.

Mr Sarkozy aired his views on breastfeeding while chatting to young mothers at a family benefits agency in south west France yesterday.

He said: 'Carla is feeding the baby. I think it's much better for protecting against allergies and illnesses.'But the woman, it's both a joy and a kind of slavery.

'However it does free men of blame because we don't have the problem of bottle-feeding. You don't have to get up at night, although out of solidarity, I do open one eye.'

The president added: 'But you know, she is worried about not having enough milk.' » | Deborah Arthurs | Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Carla Bruni: accouchement prévu la 3 Octobre

PARIS MATCH: A quelques semaines de l’accouchement de la Première dame, c’est le père de Nicolas Sarkozy, Pal, qui a une nouvelle fois joué les indiscrets et révélé la date supposée de la naissance du bébé, le 3 octobre prochain.

Un heureux événement qui fait parler. Pal Sarkozy, le père du président de la République, a confié au journal allemand «Bild» la date prévue pour la naissance du «Premier bébé», comme le surnomme le quotidien: il s’agirait du 3 octobre. Une affirmation à la journaliste Dora Varro qui confirme les confessions que Carla Bruni-Sarkozy a faites à des lycéens la semaine dernière. D’après des informations du «Parisien», elle aurait déclaré: «A partir du 1er octobre, cela peut intervenir n’importe quand. D’ailleurs, mon premier enfant, Aurélien, est arrivé avant terme.» Même si la Première dame trouve le temps «long», elle a expliqué aux élèves: «J’en avais tellement envie».

Cette seconde grossesse, à 43 ans, est considérée comme une grossesse à risque, demandant le plus de repos possible. Une proche de la chanteuse explique qu’elle «continue de jouer de la musique, de composer. Elle lit, regarde des films, téléphone longuement à ses amis.» La vie de l’ex-mannequin a donc dû subir quelques ajustements pour éviter tout problème: limiter les déplacements –elle n’accompagne pas Nicolas Sarkozy actuellement en visite officielle à New York- mais elle a également arrêté de fumer. «Cela lui manque», a d’ailleurs expliqué Pal Sarkozy à «Bild». La quadragénaire a tout de même fait une apparition dans les jardins de l’Elysée à l’occasion des journées du patrimoine, le week-end dernier. Continuez à lire et laisser un commentaire » | Kahina Sekkai | Parismatch.com | Jeudi 22 Septembre 2011

La première dame accouchera à l’automne
GALA.fr: L’entourage du couple présidentiel n’a jamais démenti la rumeur qui court maintenant depuis des semaines: Gala vous l’annonce de source sûre, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy accouchera en octobre, et vous livre tous les détails d’une grossesse tellement désirée. Dans Gala en kiosque dès demain, découvrez comment la première dame prépare l’arrivée de son deuxième enfant. » | J.S, J.B | Mardi 10 Mai 2011

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Confession: 'I No Longer Feel Left Wing'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: France's first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, has confessed to no "longer feeling left-wing" after three years of marriage to the country's conservative president, Nicolas Sarkozy.

The supermodel-turned-singer's reputation as a "luvvie Lefty" has been cited as a major handicap to Mr Sarkozy's re-election, and her political change of heart is an attempt to boost support for her unpopular husband among his core Right-wing electorate.

Only two years ago Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy had claimed that she was "instinctively left-wing" after at one stage supporting her husband's Socialist rival in the 2007 presidential elections. She had also publicly opposed Mr Sarkozy's plan to conduct DNA tests on immigrants.

In 2008, she told the Libération newspaper: "Nobody has to be joined at the hip in politics or with one's husband". A year earlier she told a British newspaper: "I would never vote on the Right."

But in Monday's interview with Le Parisien newspaper, she said her previous political persuasion was only due to her belonging to a "community of artists." "We were bobo (bourgeois bohemians), we were left-wing but at that time I voted in Italy (her native country)." I have never voted for the Left in France and I can tell you, I'm not about to start now. I don't really feel left-wing anymore," she said. >>> Henry Samuel, Paris | Monday, January 31, 2011

France’s First ‘Lady’
MAIL ONLINE: There's a time for reminiscing over your old photo albums.

But unfortunately for Carla Bruni, now is not that time.

Just as France's first lady tries to keep a low profile amid global headlines about the state of her marriage, another reminder of her somewhat racy past has propelled her straight back into the spotlight.

Two photographs of Miss Bruni in her modelling days are up for grabs at an auction. In one, taken by the legendary Helmut Newton, the then 25-year-old leans against a mahogany piano, with her skirt riding up in a rather risque fashion.

Pictures of Miss Bruni, 43, in various states of undress have surfaced before.

But as she fights rumours that affairs on both sides have endangered her marriage to French president Nicolas Sarkozy she may wish she'd kept her clothes on just for once. Don't you wish you'd kept your clothes on, Carla? Provocative photos of Miss Bruni aged 25 are put up for auction >>> Katie Glass | Friday, March 19, 2010

Carla Bruni Criticises Pope Benedict XVI
THE TELEGRAPH: Carla Bruni has issued a scathing attack on Pope Benedict XVI saying that she has allowed her Catholic faith to lapse because of his approach to contraception in Africa.

Carla Bruni has criticised Catholic teachings. Photo courtesy of The Telegraph
France's First Lady said that the Church's teachings had left her feeling "profoundly secular".

She departed from her post's traditional religious neutrality to accuse the Pope of "damaging" countries like Africa with his stance on birth control.

The Italian-born former supermodel risked angering believers in France and beyond by declaring that the Pontiff's proclamations showed that the Church needed to "evolve".

In March, the Pope sparked controversy while on an Africa tour by saying that the AIDs pandemic which has crippled the continent "can't be resolved with the distribution of condoms; on the contrary, there is the risk of increasing the problem".

Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy said: "I was born Catholic, I was baptised, but in my life I feel profoundly secular.

"I find that the controversy coming from the Pope's message – albeit distorted by the media – is very damaging.

"In Africa it's often Church people who look after sick people. It's astonishing to see the difference between the theory and the reality.

"I think the Church should evolve on this issue. It presents the condom as a contraceptive which, incidentally, it forbids, although it is the only existing protection," she told Femme Actuelle, the women's magazine.

The comments will cause Mr Sarkozy embarrassment in a country where, despite the separation of Church and State, a majority of the population was born Catholic.

André Roux, a constitutional historian said: "It's unprecedented for a first lady to criticise the Pope. Charles de Gaulle's wife was very Catholic and would never had taken up position, remaining very discreet. The same was true of Bernadette Chirac, who never gave her opinion on religion or international affairs.

"Even Danielle Mitterrand, the wife of François Mitterrand who was not a believer and aired her political views, never attacked the Pope. >>> By Henry Samuel in Paris | Monday, May 18, 2009

If the Pope’s approach to the use of condoms leaves Carla feeling “profoundly secular”, one can only guess how the Pope feels when he sees photos of Carla in her birthday suit, or romping on the beach in a G-string! – ©Mark

L'élégance ? Aucune trace !
Crédits photo: Gala.fr
GALA.fr: Elles se sont rencontrées pour la première fois ce 3 avril à Strasbourg, en marge du premier tête-à-tête entre Barack Obama et Nicolas Sarkozy. Et en tant qu'épouses respectives des deux hommes les plus importants du monde, l'Américaine pointue et l'élégante Française ont mis un soin tout particulier ce matin en choisissant leur tenue. Tandis que Michelle Obama a une nouvelle fois porté haut les couleurs de son créateur fétiche Thakoon, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, plus classique mais tout aussi chic, a choisi la maison Dior. Décryptage de ce match mode. A Strasbourg, elles ont rivalisé d'élégance... >>> Perrine Sabbat | Vendredi 03 Avril 2009

No Kiss for Obama from Sexy Carla!
We've all been there: Carla Bruni leans in to greet Barack Obama with a kiss today - but quickly backpedals. Photo courtesy of the MailOnline
MAIL ONLINE: Over the last few days Barack Obama has charmed the entire world.

And today it appeared his charisma overwhelmed the French First Lady.

It is usual in France to greet one another with a kiss - but the best Mr Obama could get out of a suddenly flustered Carla Bruni was a handshake. >>> By Mail Foreign Service | Friday, April 3, 2009

Carla Bruni: "I'm No Longer a Man-eater"

Photo: Google Images
THE TELEGRAPH: France's first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy upstaged her husband on an official trip to Brazil when she announced that she is 'no longer a man-eater'.

Speaking on her 41st birthday, Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy said that now she was married to President Nicolas Sarkozy she had given up her man-eating ways of old following a string of boyfriends from Sir Mick Jagger to Donald Trump.

"I can no longer seduce because I love my husband," she told the Brazilian edition of Marie-Claire magazine.

"I don't want to hurt him. I am no longer a man-eater," she said.
The ex-model and singer added: "We are newly weds. We don't say much, we kiss." >>> By Henry Samuel in Paris | Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback & Hardback) – Free delivery >>>

Scare as Sarkozy Departs Israel
Photo of M. Sarkozy and his wife, Carla, with Mahmoud Abbas before leaving Israel
Watch BBC video: The moment the French president and his wife were rushed to safety >>>
BBC: Confusion has marred French President Nicolas Sarkozy's farewell to Israel, after a soldier shot himself dead during an airport departure ceremony

Mr Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni, were rushed into their plane after the shot. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was also hurried to safety.

The incident at Ben-Gurion airport came at the end of Mr Sarkozy's three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank.

A police spokesman said the security officer had committed suicide.

Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the incident, which happened just as Mr Sarkozy and Ms Bruni were about to board their plane, had posed no threat to the visitors.

He denied reports that it might have been an assassination attempt on the French president. Other reports suggested the soldier may have shot himself accidentally.

Witnesses said the incident was over within minutes and that Mr Olmert had then boarded the Sarkozys' plane to say farewell and explain what had happened. Scare as Sarkozy Departs Israel >>> | June 24, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Israeli Soldier Commits Suicide in front of Nicolas Sarkozy: An Israeli guard shot himself dead at the farewell of Nicolas Sarkozy, sending the French president's wife running for safety amid fears of a terrorist attack >>> By Tim Butcher in Jerusalem | June 25, 2008


The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US)

Les nouvelles confidences 
de Carla Bruni
Photo de Carla Bruni grâce au Figaro
LE FIGARO: Dans un livre à paraître jeudi, la Première dame de France aborde aussi bien sa relation avec le président qu'avec Rachida Dati, et son futur à l'Elysée. Morceaux choisis.

Carla Bruni lève le voile. Discrète, presque effacée lors des voyages officiels, elle a finalement choisi de se livrer longuement dans un ouvrage, «la véritable histoire de Carla et Nicolas» (Editions du Moment), de Valérie Bénaïm et Yves Azéroual. Un livre où, fait rare, une Première dame de France parle de sa relation avec le président de la République. De leur rencontre, également, lors du fameux dîner chez Jacques Séguéla en novembre 2007. «Un dîner de copains» organisé par le célèbre publicitaire, qui avait confié avoir «vécu en direct le coup de foudre présidentiel. Ils ne s'étaient jamais vus et je pense qu'ils ne se quitteront plus jamais.» Les nouvelles confidences 
de Carla Bruni >>> De Samuel Potier | 04/06/2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Broché)
The Dawning of a new Dark Age (Relié)

Nicolas Sarkozy vante à Tunis l'Union pour la Méditerranée
LE FIGARO: Le chef de l'État a plaidé mardi pour une plus étroite coopération économique entre les deux rives de la Méditerranée.

La Méditerranée encore et toujours ! Au deuxième jour de sa visite d'État en Tunisie, Nicolas Sarkozy est revenu sur un sujet qu'il affectionne entre tous. «Ensemble, le nord de la Méditerranée et le sud de la Méditerranée, on peut créer un pôle gagnant-gagnant qui concurrencera l'Asie», s'est enthousiasmé le chef de l'État devant un parterre de 500 chefs d'entreprise français et tunisiens.

«Il n'y a pas un bon d'avenir pour l'Europe si l'Afrique en général, et l'Afrique du Nord en particulier, ne connaît pas le développement. (…) Nous pouvons créer un modèle qui triomphera dans le monde entier», a poursuivi sur sa lancée le président français.

Encore largement virtuel, le grand chantier méditerranéen suscite un écho favorable chez les décideurs tunisiens qui l'envisagent comme un «accélérateur de projets», espérant aussi bénéficier du statut privilégié de leur pays dans les relations franco-maghrébine. Nicolas Sarkozy vante à Tunis l'Union pour la Méditerranée >>> D’Alain Barluet | 29. 04. 2008

LE FIGARO:
Sarkozy persiste sur les Droits de l'homme en Tunisie >>> | 30. 04. 2008

LE FIGARO:
Carla, la première dame
 en visite de bienfaisance >>> De Charles Jaigu | 30. 04. 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Broché)
The Dawning of a new Dark Age (Relié)

Carla? She's Worth Her Weight in Gold!

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback - UK)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback - UK)

Sarkozy: We Are Stronger Together
BBC: President Nicolas Sarkozy has said France and Britain have "never been so close", during an historic address to both houses of the UK Parliament.

He said he wanted a new Franco-British "brotherhood", saying that what brought Britain and France together was "stronger than what separates us".

His country would "never forget" what British people did to "free France" during the world wars, he said.

Peers and MPs gave him a standing ovation following the speech in French.

Mr Sarkozy said France and Britain were stronger side by side, and the world admired the UK's "courage". Sarkozy: We Are Stronger Together >>>

WACH BBC VIDEO:
Excerpts of Sarkozy’s Speech to UK Parliament

Mark Alexander (Paperback)
Mark Alexander (Hardback)

Sarkozy’s Visit to Britain

Mark Alexander (Paperback)
Mark Alexander (Hardback)

What the French Are Saying About “President Bling-Bling” and Carla
Watch HERE
Mark Alexander (Paperback)
Mark Alexander (Hardback)

Nicolas Sarkozy Calls for 'Franco-British Brotherhood' as State Visit Begins
Photo courtesy of TimesOnline
TIMESONLINE: President Nicolas Sarkozy called for the start of a new "Franco-British brotherhood" today, as he arrived on the first state visit to Britain by a French President for 12 years.

In an interview, Mr Sarkozy said that it was time to reinvent the cross-Channel relationship from the strategic co-operation enshrined in the entente cordiale to become one of genuine closeness and "hand-in-glove" warmth.

The French President touched down at Heathrow Airport with his wife, Carla Bruni, where the couple were greeted on the tarmac by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at 11.25am. They then travelled in convoy to Windsor, where they were met by the Queen and travelled together in a state carriage procession to Windsor Castle.

Launching a charm offensive designed to realign French foreign policy, Mr Sarkozy told the BBC via a translator: "Whoever the British leader may be he will need others, other Europeans.

"And how can we do without your strong economy, your language which is the most spoken language throughout the world — do without your defence, which is the most significant in Europe? I want a new Franco-British brotherhood."

The moves to warm the relationship between Britain and France come after years of gradual decline in relations under the leadership of Jacques Chirac, who focused overwhelmingly on building a close relationship with Germany. Relations between France, Britain and the United States reached their lowest point for decades in 2003, when Mr Chirac openly opposed and derided the Iraq War.

Mr Sarkozy has made no secret of his pro-American leanings and has vowed to realign French foreign policy.

The French President added that he wanted Britain and France to work "hand in glove", and pointed to his role in closing down the controversial Sangatte immigrant camp while French Home Affairs Minister. Nicolas Sarkozy calls for 'Franco-British brotherhood' as state visit begins >>> By David Byers

Mark Alexander (Paperback)
Mark Alexander (Hardback)

”Treu bleiben bis zum Tod”
Photo von Carla Bruni dank Google Images
DIE PRESSE: Die französische Sängerin und frisch angetraute Präsidentengattin Carla Bruni will trotz ihrer öffentlichen Ehe ihre Persönlichkeit wahren, sagte sie im ersten Interview seit ihrer Hochzeit. Bruni, sonst für wechselnde Partner bekannt, wolle Nicolas Sarkozy "treu bleiben bis zum Tod".

Als neue französische First Lady will Carla Bruni vor allem sich selbst treu bleiben. Sie wolle ihre Persönlichkeit wahren, sagte Bruni in ihrem ersten Interview seit ihrer Hochzeit mit dem französischen Staatspräsidenten Nicolas Sarkozy, das die Wochenzeitung „L’Express“ am Dienstag vorab im Internet veröffentlichte. Angesprochen auf ihre Vorgängerinnen Bernadette Chirac und Danielle Mitterrand, die sich stets im Hintergrund hielten, sagte Bruni: „Das sind Frauen, die ich respektiere. Aber so wie Nicolas nicht seinen Vorgängern ähnelt, möchte auch ich – unter Berücksichtigung der Würde des Amtes – meine Persönlichkeit wahren.“ Bruni will ernsthafte First Lady sein >>>

Mark Alexander (Paperback)
Mark Alexander (Hardback)

Quiet Life for Nico and Carlita
THE TELEGRAPH: Nicolas Sarkozy, the president of France, and his new wife, now known as Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, began their married life looking a shade gloomy after a two-month whirlwind romance.

In the first photographs since the pair married on Saturday in a discreet ceremony at the Elyseé [sic] Palace, they were shown strolling mournfully in long coats around the grounds of La Lanterne, an 18th century hunting lodge beside the Château de Versailles, which Mr Sarkozy uses at weekends.

Yesterday the two made their first public appearance as a married couple at a Versailles café, where they acted as one would expect of newly-weds.

Photo of Nico and Carlita courtesy of The Telegraph
Suspense over the wedding date had been mounting ever since Mr Sarkozy hinted early last month that the press would find out about their wedding after the event.

But there had been recent speculation that Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy, who once said that "monogamy bores me desperately", may have been having second thoughts. Quiet life for Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni >>> By Henry Samuel in Paris

THE TELEGRAPH:
Ten things to know about France's Mrs Sarkozy

Mark Alexander (Paperback)
Mark Alexander (Hardback)

Arbeitet Herr Präsident Sarkozy überhaupt? Am Sonntag waren Nico und Carlita im Garten von Schloß Versailles an der Sonne am Turteln!
Ja, Herr Präsident! >>>
Mark Alexander (Paperback)
Mark Alexander (Hardback)