Sarkozy (Nicolas)

French statesman, husband since February 2, 2008

Born in 1955, Nicolas Sarkozy, former lawyer at the Paris bar, officially entered politics aged 22 as town councillor for Neuilly-sur-Seine. Follower of Jacques Chirac, mentored by Charles Pasqua, he became mayor of the town at 28. At the same time he was also Vice-President of the General Council of the Hauts-de-Seine department, in charge of education and culture, Budget and Communication minister and spokesman for the Balladur government, before becoming President of the General Council of the Hauts-de-Seine and Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry.   After becoming leader  of the UMP party in 2004, Nicolas Sarkozy launched a vast campaign for membership and modernization of this large right-wing party. While he was Minister of the Interior, Nicolas Sarkozy campaigned for the 2007 presidential elections. On May 16 he won the election with 53.06% of the vote ahead of Ségolène Royal (PS, 46.94%). Nicolas Sarkozy has written a number of works but he is above all the subject of many books and essays mixing controversy, private life, and public passion. He is a subject of media fascination. He met Carla Bruni at advertising executive Jacques Séguéla’s home. They married on February 2, 2008 at … the Elysee Palace.