Mr. President and the first… girlfriend?
President Sarkozy’s visit has put India in a fix. And why won’t it? Girlfriend Carla Bruni “is not considered wife or spouse”. The Indian government is at a loss for words when it’s coming to choosing the right protocol for Ms. Bruni.Sarkozy and Bruni did not leave behind a stormless wake in Egypt. An opposition member of the Cairo parliament even accused the French president of being party to “official prostitution” in the Islamic country. Reactions in India are unlikely to be as harsh as the Egyptian politician’s comment, but there are doubtful looks all around.
The Indian foreign office is likely to leave it to the French governmnent, through its mission here, to suggest if Ms. Bruni should be granted First Lady status.
If Bruni is given First Lady status, the Indian government will have to assign the couple to a single room and fix a separate program of engagements for her – shopping in Janpath, meeting women/spouses of important people, ensuring she is seated next to Sarkozy at banquets etc.
But if she is not to have official engagements, she will have time to spare because Sarkozy will be involved with the intricacies of the Eurocopter and nuclear deals in bilateral relations.
However, it is most likely that Ms. Bruni will be given privileges of a delegate accompanying the president.
Sources:
The Telegraph, 6 Jan 2008
IBN Live
http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2007/12/26/amd_sarkozy.jpg
The Telegraph, 6 Jan 2008
IBN Live
http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2007/12/26/amd_sarkozy.jpg
i thought having a stable family is must for a politician
Ankur, you’ve got a point. However, France is used to having presidents with many mistresses… somehow they don’t extrapolate personal lifestyle into predicting how a man can run a nation.
They do mention, though, that no president has ever taken a girlfriend before on state visits…
what i say is out of focus, but then the official prostitution reminds me of Laga chunri mein daag, pathetic movie it was..
wait until the first gay head of a country shows up with their partner. Now THAT would be fun.
–Amrita.
Delphian Oracle: I can see your point of view.
Indiequill: Hey you read my blog!
That’s like a HUGE flattering compliment. Or is it faltering?
Aside, sorry for the hopeless delay in reply!
Yeah the gay thing would rock. Quite a few worlds.
Much ado about nothing…!
This was an excellent ‘distraction’ from the usual ‘routine’… though.
Roshmi´s latest post – Recession Humour… !!!
Oh yeah… the whole visit happened without much incident!