Bruni-Sarkozy denies rumours of infidelity

FRANCE’s first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has dismissed as “insignificant” rumours of infidelity by her and her husband, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and brushed off theories that lies were planted in a plot to bring down the glamorous couple.

She said in an interview with Europe 1 radio that she and Sarkozy “have turned the page” and suggested the media do the same.

The rumours started in early March by appearing on the blog of a French Sunday newspaper.

The rest of the French media initially adopted a “don’t-touch” approach, even though some foreign newspapers published the rumours.

They alleged that both the first lady, a former top model, and the president were having affairs.

The reports made headlines in France last weekend with interviews by Sarkozy’s lawyer and a top aide close to the first lady who both held out the possibility that the rumours were part of a plot aimed at “destabilising” the presidential couple.

But Bruni-Sarkozy said: “For me and my husband these rumours are insignificant. ... There is no plot. There is no vengeance. There is nothing. We have turned the page.”

Sarkozy’s whirlwind romance and marriage in February 2008 to Bruni-Sarkozy, who is now a popular singer, has been closely watched. It is his third marriage and she, in her younger years, famously dismissed monogamy as untenable.

Sarkozy married Bruni after an embarrassing public separation and divorce from Cecilia Sarkozy.

In the face of the rumours, the couple have portrayed themselves as tenderly united. They were often seen holding hands during a trip last week to the United States that included a private dinner with the Obamas at the White House.

Bruni-Sarkozy spoke of her husband with devotion, saying his job was not to fight back tawdry rumours but to work for the French.

She also denied reports that a separate investigation ordered by the presidential Elysee Palace had been launched.

Finally, she denied what has turned into the latest headline grabber in the saga – allegations that ex-justice minister Rachida Dati planted the rumours.

The glamorous Dati, close to Sarkozy’s former wife Cecilia, fell out of favour after his marriage to Bruni and as criticism mounted about her handling of the ministry.