Lowbrow Sarkozy Causes French Culture Shock

Sarko's no highbrow, but his wife gives some hope
By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 15, 2008 9:37 AM CDT
Lowbrow Sarkozy Causes French Culture Shock
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, and his wife, first lady of France, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, left, arrive at the Old Royal Naval College in London.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

French presidents have traditionally positioned themselves as guardians of high culture, and no term in office is complete without constructing a major new museum. But while François Mitterand might have loved Russian literature, Nicolas Sarkozy is more of a Céline Dion man. As the New York Times reports, many of Sarkozy's supporters are dismayed at Sarko's cultural policy—and hoping his new wife can turn things around.

"Look, we need a president who is cultivated," said the author of a bestseller mocking the French head of state. But while many were resigned to Sarkozy's lowbrow tastes, his marriage to Carla Bruni—friend to Paris' cultural elite and sister of a leading film director—offered an unexpected glimmer of hope. "I'm banking on Carla," said one writer. "France has had many brilliant queens, you know." (More Nicolas Sarkozy stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X