Sarkozy faces cameras over funding claims / Sarkozy fights to regain political initiative

Preview and report of a tv interview given by Nicolas Sarkozy, the French President, on the 12 July 2010, aimed to draw a line under allegations of illegal party funding and corruption that have besieged his government for weeks.

The interview was seen as an opportunity to turn attention back to his reform agenda, notably to an overhaul of the pension system, which the government hoped to sign off on the 13 July 2010.

ESO: Background information: Sarkozy drawn into Bettencourt affair http://www.europeansources.info/record/sarkozy-drawn-into-bettencourt-affair/

France24, 11.7.10: Govt report clears Woerth of role in tax evasion http://www.france24.com/en/20100711-france-government-eric-woerth-minister-loreal-tax-igf-bettencourt

La Tribune, 13.7.10: Sarkozy attempts to quell scandal (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief-cover/293221-sarkozy-attempts-quell-scandal

Spiegel Online International, 13.7.10: French President Defends Himself Against Corruption Allegations http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,706243,00.html

BBC News, 12.7.10: Sarkozy dismisses 'shameful' Bettencourt donation claim http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/10607156.stm

France24, 13.7.10: Sarkozy refutes corruption charges in live interview http://www.france24.com/en/20100712-sarkozy-faces-nation-over-loreal-corruption-scandal-woerth-bettencourt

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