A bid by the son of French president Nicolas Sarkozy for a plum job overseeing the country’s premier business district has sparked a huge row and accusations of nepotism.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy collapsed suddenly while jogging today on the lush grounds of the Chateau of Versailles, then was rushed by helicopter to a military hospital where he will remain overnight, his office said.

FEARS for the welfare of France centre Mathieu Bastareaud are growing after it was revealed that the 20-year-old has been hospitalised suffering from serious psychological problems, according to his club, Stade Francais.

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi is in Paris today for an official visit that marks the Libyan leader’s return to grace.

Parisians are braced for rush-hour chaos today as a nationwide strike was expected to cripple the public transport system and give President Nicolas Sarkozy his first real test after five months in office.

FRANCE coach Raymond Domenech believes Marco Materazzi should have been man-of-the-match in last year’s World Cup final and even player of the tournament, praising the Italy defender for his role in the sending-off of France playmaker Zinedine Zidane.

France’s new government was holding its first Cabinet meeting today, taking up a first batch of planned reforms, as President Nicolas Sarkozy vowed to move fast on changes now that a new government is in place.

THE French press have unanimously endorsed Munster’s Heineken Cup credentials following their crushing semi-final victory over Leinster at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

Far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen today called for a “union of patriots” to present a single candidate in 2007 French presidential elections.

Talks begin today towards sealing a controversial merger deal between state-owned gas producer Gaz de France and utility company Suez that would create a world energy leader and block a hostile bid from Italy.

A one-day strike is expected to cause widespread transport disruption in France today, with reduced services on trains and the Paris underground system and delays to flights.

France’s new Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin worked today to form a government and tackle the nation’s top priority – unemployment. But he already faced labour unrest on his first day on the job.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down mounting rumours that Sylvain Wiltord could join Paris St Germain during the winter transfer window, revealing he has offered the France international a contract extension.