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Sarkozy praises Brown
Joe Murphy10.02.09
A deeply embarrassed Nicolas Sarkozy backed down today from criticisms of Gordon Brown's economic policies.
The French president provoked fury in Downing Street with his off-the-cuff comments last week when he pooh-poohed the emergency VAT cut as having "absolutely not worked" and said it "will bring them nothing".
However, today's statement from the Elysée Palace was gushing in its praise for the Prime Minister. It read: "President Sarkozy is looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Prime Minister. France and the UK are now working closely together on the next stage of our common response"
Mr Sarkozy even tried a jibe at Tory leader David Cameron, by "rejecting those who believe we can wait for the recession to ease without action".
The statement added that Mr Sarkozy had been in contact with No10 to "deplore the way his remarks about the British economy have been reported".
Reader views (6)
Nicky, we had more respect for you when you did - for once - tell it how it was! This U-turn just makes you look ridiculous (again).
- Marianne, SW France
Sarkozy is the new Blair ... he'll say whatever people want to hear but still pursue his own agenda.
- Paul, London
Mr. Sarkozy is a smart man. Crash Gordon is a ... euh... something else...
- Phil, Islington, London
Only confirms that politicians particularly male ones are fickle no matter what nationality,
- John, Leighton Buzzard, Beds
Too late 'Nick' as we say in England - "cat's already out of the bag". From what I saw on the news they reported EXACTLY what he said, and there was absolutely NO misunderstanding about his criticism of Gordon's policies. Gordon might want to 'pretend' that all is ok, but everyone now knows the truth. The cat has no intention of getting back in the bag!!
- Malcolm, London
Now now Sarko - once more with feeling. What did you get in return I womder?
- Keith Price, Luton, England
