The retreat from Brussels
(B2) After Raffarin, Sarkozy? Both of them stop by Brussels and test their European know-how on journalists. A passion mixed with good political sense. In the event of a reshuffle, the post of European commissioner could be a good springboard for retreat and rebound. An operation which presents a double advantage for Chirac: to strengthen the place of France and to aim for a vice-presidency of the Commission; internally, rewarding a faithful or getting rid of a rival.
(NGV)