Nicolas Sarkozy makes his presidential debut on the world stage today, buoyed by a post-victory surge in public support and the prospect of a thumping majority for his UMP party in Sunday's parliamentary elections. But his political honeymoon may prove short-lived as the passionate pledges of the campaign trail come hard up against the ambiguities and limitations of power.

France's little big man is determined to make his mark. His "mandate for change" has raised expectations to levels akin to those that accompanied Tony Blair into Downing Street in 1997. As for Mr Blair then, there is a moment of opportunity for Mr Sarkozy now to take the lead internationally as well as at home.…  Seguir leyendo »