Vive le Sarkozy Perhaps

Nicholas Sarkozy's currency reform push will test the skills of the erratic French leader, writes Geoffrey Barker. It isn't easy being Nicolas Sarkozy (or any other democratic leader) in these days of economic and social uncertainties, aggressive political oppositions and volatile electorates. But the French president, unpopular at home and not greatly admired abroad, is working furiously to achieve what could be a transforming personal and national policy success. With France due to take over the G20 presidency on 14 November Sarkozy has launched diplomatic initiatives aimed at embedding Russia more deeply in global monetary and security systems and persuading China to allow its currency to rise more quickly. It remains to be seen how successful the erratic Sarkozy will be in this plan to reform and rebalance the international monetary system. But it is a risk he can afford to take: he has little to lose if he fails, and much to gain if he achieves meaningful progress. Read the full article at Inside Story.