Both Sarkozy and Hollande are victims of the French culture of scandal, but the real loser is democracy

The recent revelations surrounding former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy’s, recorded conversations have added to a long list of scandals involving France’s political leaders. John Gaffney writes that ‘plots and scandals’ have always been an integral part of French politics, but notes that the current accusations from the left and the right of the political spectrum simply serve to further alienate voters.

Euro|Topics writes that 'Recorded phone conversations are said to document the illegal influence of France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy on members of the judiciary. Meanwhile the ruling Socialist government is caught up in contradictions over when it became aware of the phone tapping. Are the country's two largest parties self-destructing?'

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: French president’s partner hospitalised after affair claims http://www.europeansources.info/record/french-presidents-partner-hospitalised-after-affair-claims/

The Local.fr, 20.03.14: Angry Sarkozy rejects corruption allegations http://www.thelocal.fr/20140320/sarkozy-corruption-hits-back

The Guardian, 06.03.14: Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni take legal action over taped conversations http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/06/nicolas-sarkozy-carla-bruni-legal-action-conversations

Euro|Topics: Who's Saying What: France embroiled in 'Sarkogate' http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/debatten/links-2014-03-sarkogate/

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