More drama in the Clearstream affair. Questioned (in New York) about the trial during one of his marathon 'broadcast to the nation' interviews, Sarkozy offered a tasty soundbite to the several million viewers back home: "... two independent judges were of the opinion that the guilty parties should be tried in court..." Key word - guilty. Back in Paris, where court proceedings that day were still ongoing, de Villepin's lawyers seized on it. "Damaging my client's fundamental right to be presumed innocent...", "Is this respect for the court? ... learning from the president of France that my client is guilty. Is this type of justice acceptable?"
Understandably. The former PM's lawyers were already questioning Monsieur le Président's right to be a plaintiff, when it is he who is the ultimate judicial authority, and in that bizarre quirk of French politics, is immune from prosecution while still in office. The TV interview is generally being seen as something of a gaffe, even by a significant number of members of his own party...
In Lyon, we're in the second day of a public transport strike, called to protest about plans to reform working practices. Most buses, trams and metros are not running at all, which has meant la bienheureuse walking to and from work. And the strike notice allows for strike action until the beginning of next year...
