It’s Bastille Day and I’ve been on holiday in Paris, so here is a topical French post.

President Sarkozy has been having problems. Two ministers recently resigned – Christian Blanc (Minister for the Development of Paris) and Alain Joyandet (Minister for Development and Francophone Affairs). Both were implicated – rightly or wrongly (I’m not going to get sued) – in financial improprieties.

Now, the government and the president has been embroiled in another scandal. Liliane Bettencourt, a French billionaire, is linked with giving political donations to Sarkozy and to the Minister for the Budget and soon-to-be former Treasurer of the president’s UMP party, Eric Woerth. The accusations were, allegedly (note!), taped by Bettencourt’s butler!

Sarkozy has defended his minister very strongly. However, he is under great pressure. Moreover, the president’s ratings are very poor. According to TNS Sofres two weeks ago (before the affair really came to life) his confidence rating was at 26% with 71% expressing no confidence. For IPSOS 35% had a favourable opinion of him in June 2010, whereas 63% had an unfavourable opinion. However, he still has a pretty good rating among his own supporters. In other words, even though he really is under pressure, at the moment the reaction has been along partisan lines.

Finally, the president’s UMP party lost a by-election on Sunday. At the second ballot the Green candidate (the socialists did not stand) just beat the UMP candidate. Again, this was taken as a snapshot of feeling towards the president and his party.

Anyway, as I am writing this, I can hear the sound of fireworks already. Bonne fête à tous!