Being asked about wife abruptly ends Sarkozy’s CBS interview

FRANCE’S president abruptly ended a television interview aimed at introducing him to US audiences, dubbing it “stupid” and a “big mistake” and refusing to answer questions about his wife.

Before the CBS 60 Minutes news show interview in Paris even began, Nicolas Sarkozy called his press secretary “an imbecile” for arranging the session on a busy day.

“I don’t have the time. I have a big job to do, I have a schedule,” said Mr Sarkozy through a translator before the interview began. In English, he added: “Very busy. Very busy.”

In the interview conducted this month and aired Sunday night, he grew frustrated when asked about his wife Cecilia.

“If I had to say something about Cecilia, I would certainly not do so here,” replied Mr Sarkozy.

He declared the interview over and said: “Bon courage”. Two weeks later, the Sarkozys’ divorce was announced.

In the interview he said: “I want the Americans to know that they can count on us. But at the same time, we want to be free to disagree.”

This apparently referred to France’s opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, a stand that until recently had soured relations with Washington.

Mr Sarkozy said he admired Americans’ work ethic and the opportunities for advancement, irrespective of class or background. He said his Hungarian father worried his surname would be an obstacle in France but “was proven wrong”.

“That’s the reason why I like the United States. You can have a name like Schwarzenegger and be governor of California. You can be called Madeleine Albright and be secretary of state. You can be called Colin Powell or Condi Rice, and succeed.”