French ex-premier Villepin launches political party seen as bid to challenge Sarkozy in 2012
By APThursday, March 25, 2010
Ex-premier Villepin forms party, counters Sarkozy
PARIS — Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin has launched a new center-right political party that paves the way for him to challenge longtime rival Nicolas Sarkozy in 2012 presidential elections.
The eloquent, silver-haired Villepin gained international attention for a 2003 U.N. speech urging the United States not to invade Iraq.
Villepin says he wants a France that “defends its difference and originality” and keeps solid social protections while remaining competitive. He says he is “ill at ease” with current government policies including efforts to ban Islamic face veils.
He formed the party Thursday, after leftists resoundingly beat Sarkozy’s UMP conservative party in regional elections last weekend, leaving the president increasingly isolated.
