Historic speech fails to impress

PRESIDENT Sarkozy left many commentators struggling to find positive words as he made history by addressing both houses of parliament at Versailles.

He had given himself the opportunity to spell out his plans in the wake of the major European election boost but his speech has been labelled the “most expensive press conference in history” by one MP as it lacked new initiatives.

Promising to continue reforms, he ruled out any “policy of austerity” or tax rises to deal with increasing public debt.

Sarkozy said the “French model” of economics with strong public investment and expansive social spending was best suited to today’s harsh market conditions, and revealed that a state loan would be used for investment in “national priorities”.

He also promised anyone made redundant would be given training and a year’s salary: however, he also plans a review of the retirement age of 60 and cuts in health spending.

Sarkozy stepped into the debate on the burqa and said: “It will not be welcome on French soil. We cannot accept, in our country, women imprisoned behind a mesh, cut off from society, deprived of all identity. That is not the French republic's idea of women's dignity."

A small government reshuffle is planned for tomorrow, but only to cover the departures of some members, such as justice minister Rachida Dati, to the European Parliament.

The speech at Versailles was the first time a head of state had addressed parliament since 1848 as it was forbidden under the separation of powers.

However the government pushed through constitutional amendments last year.
Commentators said the speech was “more ceremonial than substantial” and sounded more like a “speech from a prime minister” although one newspaper compared it to “an American presidential speech”.

His speech included:
• State borrowing to finance major public works
• Introducing a new war on waste in public spending
• A new look at integration
• Wearing the burqa was not welcome in France