Sarkozy seeking re-election to make France "strong"

Feb 15, 2012, 19:43 GMT

Paris - French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced Wednesday that he would seek another five-year term, in elections to be held in April and May.

'Yes, I am a candidate in the presidential election,' Sarkozy said in an interview with TF1 television, confirming what was seen as an open secret.

The 57-year-old incumbent said that he would champion a 'strong France.'

'The French have to understand that if France is strong, they will be protected,' Sarkozy said.

The main innovation of his second term, if he is re-elected, would be to give the French a greater say in their destiny by holding referendums, he said. A first referendum would deal with unemployment benefits.

With two months to go to the first round of the election on April 22, Sarkozy is trailing Socialist candidate Francois Hollande in opinion polls.

Sarkozy, who is credited with between 24 and 26 per cent of voter intentions, compared with between 28 and 31 per cent for Hollande, said he would tell the French 'the truth.'

'If we want to keep our social model, our way of life, we must continue making changes.'