Although they've had a rough relationship for the past year or so, French Secretary of State for Sport Rama Yade (pictured sitting) states that French President Nicolas Sarkozy (pictured pointing) - who inspired her to join the center-right UMP party in 2005 and to join his administration in 2007 after he won election - remains her hero (interview in French). Sudouest.com interviews her:
How do you explain your popularity? Is it because of your views about Jean Sarkozy and Colonel Gaddafi, for example? I don't know about being popular, but it makes me do my homework and puts extra pressure [on me]. You mention Jean Sarkozy. The reality is that I mentioned [him] in this interview about the [Roman] Polanski case. And I thought we had to be careful that people do not feel that there is one type of justice for major figures and another type for regular people. As for Gaddafi, if as Secretary of State for Human Rights I don't bring up France's values, I don't know what is my use. This is the whole meaning of my involvement in politics. [Booker Rising note: Ms. Yade was one of the few UMP members to denounce the recent candidacy of Jean Sarkozy - President Sarkozy's college student son - as overseer of Europe's largest business district, which is located in Hauts-de-Seine. The younger Sarkozy eventually withdrew his candidacy. She argued that competence and not connections should be the criteria for ascension to administrative posts. In 2007, when she was human rights minister, she denounced France's welcome of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, arguing that he was treating France like a “doormat” for “wiping off the blood of his victims”]
You forced your way to become the [UMP's] regional candidate in Hauts-de-Seine [instead of in Val-d'Oise, not her home area as the president wanted her to do]. Has Nicolas Sarkozy has forgiven you? I've done no forcing. I am based in Colombes, Hauts-de-Seine [where I am an elected city councilwoman]. Logic would therefore be that I am a candidate [in Hauts-de-Seine]. If Nicolas Sarkozy had hoped for me to go elsewhere, I would've done so. Anyway, my commitment is to the entire Ile-de-France [region] since I am a spokesperson for the regional campaign.
Nicolas Sarkozy is now mid-term. Are you disappointed or is he your political model? Who is better than he to cope with our huge economic crisis? I shudder to think what would have happened if Ségolène Royal [the Socialist Party's presidential candidate] was elected. I am proud to be part of his government and proud of the energy that he displays on all fronts. He is obviously my political model.
Amélie Mauresmo [French tennis star] is retiring. What's your reaction? I phoned her to say she will remain a great champion. Her extraordinary journey, her courage, her personality are an example. She won the hearts of all the French, both on and off the court.
Les Bleus [French national soccer team] isn't seeded at the World Cup, and FIFA is investigating Thierry Henry [for hand contact with the soccer ball, in the highly controversial World Cup qualifying match against Ireland that led to France's win]. Yet you seem to be lenient with them yet. Why? It is normal that I support the French team. I am proud to be French and I want our athletes to shine in international competitions. I am behind them while pushing them to be exemplary. They are ambassadors of France, models for youth, and this gives them a special responsibility.
Should we punish Henry? That's FIFA decision. Thierry Henry is a great champion who has won everything. This is the most successful soccer player in French history and I don't want to burn one who is loved. Now we need our team to regain esteem and respect with results, with a beautiful game and better communication with the public.
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