Breaking the Lines: Sarkozy’s Presidential Campaign

Nicolas Sarkozy’s election as the president of France on May 6, 2007 marked a turning point in French political life – representing not just the rise of a new generation, but also a reinvigoration of the political debate in France, as demonstrated by exceptionally high voter registration and turnout.

On October 4, the Center on the United States and Europe (CUSE) at Brookings hosted a presentation by Rama Yade, French Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights. Ms. Yade played an active role in preparing and running Nicolas Sarkozy’s campaign, whose overarching theme was one of a comprehensive break with the past – or “rupture” in French. Her account of the campaign offers a unique insider perspective on the reasons for Sarkozy’s electoral success (53 percent of the vote) and the renewal of French democracy.

Following her remarks, CUSE Director Daniel Benjamin will host an audience question and answer session.