A STORM of protest has erupted in France over the imminent promotion of Nicolas Sarkozy's son to the job of managing the country's wealthiest business district.

More than 31,000 voters have signed an online petition urging Jean Sarkozy, the second of the president's three sons, to drop his designs on the job, which would make him boss of the La Defense district on the outskirts of Paris.

Left-wing opposition politicians accused Mr Sarkozy of nepotism and claimed the "clan" was tightening its grip on the "treasure chest" of La Defense, where many top French firms have their headquarters.

Prince Jean, as the press has dubbed him, is in line to replace minister for economic recovery Patrick Devedjian, as chairman of EPAD, the agency overseeing office development in La Defense, a job his father once held.

The 23-year-old, who is studying law at the Sorbonne, was elected last year to a regional council representing part of the Paris suburb Neuilly, where his father served as mayor.

Socialist Ségolène Royal, who lost to Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007, said: "If he did not have the name he has, would he be where he is today?" The online petition states: "Presiding [over] such an institution requires experience. We urge you to finish your studies and do a few internships... before bidding for this job."

The 18 members of EPAD's board give a final yes or no to investors on building permits in La Defense. The only job requirement is being a member of federal or local government. The new chairman will be chosen on 4 December.

Neither the French president nor his son has commented on the uproar.