There is continuing controversy in France over the alleged lengths pursued by President Nicolas Sarkozy's aides in order to conceal his short stature.
In a recent television appearance, the employee of a French factory visited by Sarkozy admitted being chosen to stand behind him because she was no taller than him. The report became an internet hit in France and other workers have since backed the allegation.
But the charge has been robustly denied by the president's office. A spokesman for the Elysee Palace called it "completely absurd and grotesque". French websites Le Post and Rue89 have since quoted union representatives at the plant, some of them named, as confirming that height criteria for staff to appear with Sarkozy had been received by the management.
President Sarkozy is reported to be extremely touchy about his height, which is believed to be about 5ft 5in. Tthe president has been continually mocked by the opposition Socialists for his "complete stage management".
He has previously been pictured wearing shoes with a substantial heel and giving speeches standing on hidden platforms. The French media have also previously noted the propensity of Sarkozy's wife, the former model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, to don flat shoes when in the presence of her husband.
No comments:
Post a Comment