Sarkozy threatens to pull France out of zone

President Nicolas Sarkozy has threatened to pull France out of the European Union’s coveted visa-free Schengen zone unless the bloc makes progress on protecting EU borders from illegal immigration.

Mr Sarkozy’s pledge on the hot-button theme of immigration came in a wide-ranging speech to thousands of supporters at a boisterous campaign rally, as polls show he faces a tough battle for re-election in April and May.