A neat equation governing presidential popularity has taken hold in France. The more time that Nicolas Sarkozy spends at home with his fellow countrymen, the less liked he becomes. And the more he globetrots, or is seen to be dealing with world affairs, the more his popularity rises. For a leader who badly needs to rescue his poll ratings from the record lows that they hit in April, the temptation is clear. As France gears up for its presidency of the G2O this autumn, and of the g8 next year, there is ample scope for a fresh round of global escapades. But that could mean less reform at home.
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