Testimony: France, Europe, and the World in the Twenty-First Century

by Nicolas Sarkozy

In an important book from the newly elected president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy sets forth his personal vision of France's role in world affairs and his plans for modernizing the country and equipping it for the twenty-first century. Testimony begins with a series of remarkable episodes from President Sarkozy's career. Trained as a lawyer, he entered politics as a grassroots party organizer for the Gaullist movement in the 1970s. His political career moved forward with triumphs and setbacks, revealing a fascinating and complex political personality in the making. His episodic narrative illuminates the brash, provocative, passionate, and open-minded style that assured his success and provides a refreshing contrast to France's stagnant, elite-dominated political culture. With unusual candor, President Sarkozy describes the difficulties France has faced in recent years—high unemployment, social tensions, inadequate education, a government that has not been responsive or responsible when confronting economic and social problems. In international relations, he calls for a new approach to the way France positions itself in the world. He is a great admirer of the United States and "I stand by France's friendship with the United States, I'm proud of it, and I have no intention of apologizing for feeling an affinity with the greatest democracy in the world." In Testimony , he explores what this will mean for France's traditionally independent foreign policy. His vision for Europe is equally ambitious and far-reaching; his iconoclastic views on Israel and the Arab world, Africa, globalization, immigration, and the environment promise a sharp break with the past. The ideas of France's new president are probably more daring, coherent, and compelling than those of any French leader in decades. Furthermore, he remains optimistic about France, insisting that the country is eager to embrace profound change. Bold, pragmatic, a risk-taker, President Sarkozy sets forth an exciting new direction for France as it enters the world of the twenty-first century.

Genres: France, Nonfiction, Biography, Politics

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Nicolas Sarkozy, born Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa) is the 23rd and current President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. He assumed the office on May 16, 2007 after defeating Socialist Party candidate Ségolène Royal 10 days earlier.

Before his presidency, he was leader of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). Under Jacques Chirac's presidency he served as Minister of the Interior in Jean-Pierre Raffarin's (UMP) first two governments (from May 2002 to March 2004), then was appointed Minister of Finances in Raffarin's last government (March 2004 to May 2005) and again Minister of the Interior in Dominique de Villepin's government (2005–2007).

Sarkozy was also president of the General council of the Hauts-de-Seine department from 2004 to 2007 and mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine, one of the wealthiest communes of France from 1983 to 2002. He was Minister of the Budget in the government of Édouard Balladur (RPR, predecessor of the UMP) during François Mitterrand's last term.

Sarkozy is known for wanting to revitalize the French economy. He has pledged to revive the work ethic, promote new initiatives and fight intolerance. In foreign affairs he has promised a strengthening of the entente cordiale with the United Kingdom and closer cooperation with the United States. He married Carla Bruni-Sarkozy on February 2, 2008 at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

Reviews

[Naufal Ubaidillah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great milestone in my Master’s degree is reading this book. Nicolas is absolutely the man of his people, climbing the ranks of French politics with sincerity. I always remember his results-based policies as minister of several ministry. His humane approach to the people, and his ability to be a moderate rightist, is an exceptional spectacle.

[Eliott Hory · Rating 1 out of 5]

bruh

[Jim Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

He may havevlostvthevelection, but he may have the last laugh (not that he wants it, I'm sure).

France, and the French are complicated...no argument there. But the transition from a post WW II society to the 21st century France that, in spite of best efforts against it, is happening with chilling effects on her residents. Sarkozy's blueprint, aaIMHO, is just what France needs, rather than the 75% income tax his successor is putting on the wealthy, who appear to be leaving, with their assets, in droves...

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to learn more about France without having to read a tome of French political history. Sarkozy focuses on several of France's modern problems, how he thinks they should be solved, and how he he has tried to solve them in his various government positions. Very interesting! The only problem is that it is outdated in terms of what has happened recently in France, such as Sarkozy becoming President.

[Joel Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing could be better and a bit tighter (it is repetitve in spots). But if you want to know the current French president's vision for his country, you should definitely read this book. No one should be surprised by what Sarkozy proposes because it is all laid out clearly in print.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's too bad we don't have this kind of innovative leadership in the United States.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

The State. The State, the State, the State. What is the solution to every problem? The State.

[Hans Hoffmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read into both the thinking of the French president as well as an eye opener on some of the issues confronting France