Déjà vu: Now Sarkozy’s political marriage bites the dust…

Just months ago, I lamented the separation (after 30 years) of the political marriage between Segolene Royal and Francois Hollande. Here, in part, is what I wrote:

…So much for the reputed quizzical insouciance of the French when it comes to marital (or, more notably, extramarital) affairs. Because today every French newspaper is emblazoned with headlines about the intriguing split between Segolene Royal, the Socialist candidate I endorsed here in last month’s French presidential election, and Francois Hollande, the leader of the Socialist Party.

Therefore, not surprisingly, the headlines that occasioned this week’s court appearance by the newly-elected president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, and his wife of 11 years, Cecelia – to initiate divorce proceedings – were even more sensational:

(Meanwhile, headlines about a strike by transit and utility workers, which has clogged movement all over Paris, seemed like mere afterthoughts…. )

Alas, I’m in no position to join the chorus of those speculating publicly about the reasons why this seemingly-successful marriage has now failed.

Therefore, I shall suffice to note that coverage of this story by the French media only reaffirms my contention that, when it comes to sex and marriage, the purportedly-sophisticated French are every bit as voyeuristic, puerile and prurient as the Americans.

At any rate, the point of my earlier commentary was to highlight the cynical fact that Royal’s defeat by Sarkozy precipitated the dissolution not only of her personal relationship, but also of her political partnership with Hollande.

Accordingly, the irony is not lost on me that Sarkozy’s victory has led to a similar dissolution. Especially since, in the article referenced above, I extrapolated from Royal’s split the following looming consequence for Hillary Clinton:

…if Hillary loses the U.S. presidential election next year, I suspect this would also trigger the dissolution not only of her marriage but also of her political partnership with Bill; and, probably, in even more precipitous and salacious fashion.

(Incidentally, if she loses, these two would probably end in a dead heat at the courthouse door to finally divorce themselves from the reciprocal (personal) burdens each has had to bear during their 32-year partnership….)

Given this Sarkozy precedent, however, it would seem Hillary’s political marriage is doomed if she wins and doomed if she doesn’t. But frankly, if she wins, I can’t imagine either one of the Clintons even contemplating divorce; after all, this politically-committed and co-dependent couple would still have her reelection in 2012 to consider….

Finally, reports indicate that it was Mrs Sarkozy who wanted out of this marriage, which says a lot about her political ambition. Indeed, her apparent contempt for the duties of a first lady stands in stark contrast to the relish with which Hillary and another notable first lady, Cristina Fernández Kirchner of Argentina, embraced theirs.

(Apropos this, I invite you to click here to read my article, which was published today by Caribbean Net News, on the career paths Hillary and Cristina have taken.)

Interestingly enough, however, legal experts suggest that Article 67 of the French Constitution “prevents anyone, including a spouse, from bringing a legal action” against a sitting president. Perhaps you recall how Sarkozy’s predecessor, Jacques Chirac, invoked this provision to dodge being prosecuted on on charges of political corruption for almost 12 years.

Therefore, Cecilia may have to wait, for over a decade, before she can bid Sarkozy farewell….

C’est la vie!

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Segolene Royal and Francois Hollande divorce French style

Nicolas Sarkozy divorce