‘Hyperactive’ Sarkozy leaves hospital

FRENCH President Nicolas Sarkozy will reduce his workload for a few days after suffering a dizzy spell brought on by jogging in hot weather and a heavy schedule, his office said.

Sarkozy spent the night in hospital after falling ill while running, due to a combination of physical effort and tiredness, but not any cardiac problems, his office said.

“The diagnosis is a faintness from a sustained physical effort in great heat without a loss of consciousness, in a context of fatigue stemming from a heavy workload,” his office said in a statement.

Known as the “hyperactive president” because of his frantic diplomatic, political and sporting schedule, the 54-year-old suffered a dizzy spell while running in the park of the Chateau of Versailles on Sunday.

He had to lie down before being flown by helicopter to the Val-de-Grace military hospital in Paris. Yesterday, he walked out of hospital, accompanied by doctors and his wife.

The presidential office said he underwent cardiological and other tests, and that no medical treatment was prescribed though a few days of “relative rest” were recommended.

Sarkozy cancelled his appointments for today, but will chair a cabinet meeting tomorrow before heading off for a three-week summer holiday, as planned.

French media pounced on the opportunity to dissect Sarkozy’s hectic life, while friends urged him to eat more and lighten his punishing schedule.

However, analysts said it would be difficult for him to give up his trademark hands-on style.

“The ‘omni’ or ‘hyper’ president... had built his image and exercise of power on an unbridled activism,” wrote newspaper Le Monde, saying he was overworked, unwilling to delegate and incapable of giving up jogging.

Despite pressure from members of his own UMP party to change his ways and slow down, political analyst Stephane Rozes said Sarkozy would probably continue as before.

“As this event was harmless for Nicolas Sarkozy’s health, he won’t spontaneously think of changing his lifestyle, be it political or sporting,” Rozes said.

“This hyperactivity is perceived by the French very ambivalently.”

An environmental magazine calculated earlier this year that Sarkozy flew almost as many miles as British prime minister Gordon Brown and Germany chancellor Angela Merkel put together in 2008. Sarkozy is also known for his obsession with keeping in shape.

He is often photographed running or cycling, and one close friend said he was also dieting.