Paul AmesFebruary 16, 2012 12:08

Marine Le Pen has sought to improve the party’s respectability among mainstream voters since replacing her father Jean-Marie Le Pen as leader last year.

Sarkozy's in. But can he win?

Paul AmesFebruary 15, 2012 17:29

The president has proved to be a feisty campaigner. His immediately launched an attack on Hollande’s “unrealistic” plans to respond to the debt crisis by taxing banks and the rich while hiring more state employees.

Michael GoldfarbFebruary 6, 2012 12:56

Sarkozy and Merkel hold special meeting

French President makes his close relationship with Merkel a campaign issue.

Say this about French President Nicolas Sarkozy, he takes risks. 80 days before he stands for re-election he held a cabinet meeting and invited a guest to attend: German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It is their 14th joint meeting - giving new meaning to the term "special relationship." Merkel said it was "quite noram" for her to be involved in the French presidential election campaign.

The BBC has a full report here.

Sarkozy's close alliance with Merkel has become a serious issue in the election campaign. Marine Le Pen, leader of the ultra-right National Front is running on a platform of taking France out of the euro. She is running a credible third in recent opinion polls. Socialist Francois Hollande is leading Sarkozy and he too is taking a very anti-Europe line as arch euro-skeptic, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, gleefully wrote in today's Daily Telegraph:

Michael GoldfarbJanuary 6, 2012 04:44

Happy 600th Birthday, Joan of Arc

French presidential candidates rush to claim the Maid of Orleans for themselves

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Joan of Arc looks down on far-right National Front leader Marine le Pen at a rally last spring in Paris. France's presidential candidates are scrambling to claim St. Joan's blessing for their campaigns on her 600th birthday. (Franck Prevel/AFP/Getty Images)

What a useful coincidence. France is in the midst of a presidential election season (first round of voting is in April) and Joan of Arc turns 600 today.

There is no one like her in French history as Le Monde notes, "The name Joan of Arc is one of the six most common street names in France. The Maid of Orleans is the only medieval figure known by all French people."

What better way to get headlines and score points with the voters for prospective candidates than to honor this unique symbol of France?

Marine Le Pen, of France's far-right, may miss ballot

Sarkozy's in. But can he win?

Sarkozy and Merkel hold special meeting

Happy 600th Birthday, Joan of Arc