Sarkozy attempts to ditch elitist image as re-election bid begins

French President Nicolas Sarkozy insisted yesterday that he will not be the candidate of a small elite against the people, in the first major rally of his re-election bid.

“I want to be the candidate of the people of France,” he told a rally of 10,000 supporters at the Mediterranean port city of Marseille.

“I won’t be the candidate of a small elite against the people,” he added.