samir and sarkozy
what do a president and a footballer have in common?
i think the months of may and june have been kind to france. france hasn't exactly been having a good time. trouble in the banlieus, unemployment, isolation abroad...basically too much of an outdated chirac has reduced france's standing in europe and the world. even the surprising success of the les bleus in germany 2006 cannot hide the problems of the national team: too old, struggling and the impending retirement of zidane.
then came the elections. for the first time in a while, people actually bothered to listen to what segolene royal and sarkozy had to say. there was buzz. sarkozy's victory by a clear margin gave him a mandate, whether or not he had been voted because he was the lesser of two evils was secondary. but in sarkozy, the french have, on paper at least, someone strong enough, assertive enough to thrust france forward again. if, IF he pulls it off. but there is certainly reason for optimism.
then came the qualifiers. suddenly the french are playing with some style again, galvanised by the emerging samir nasri, hailed as the new zidane. here is someone with the ability to lead them to greatness again. people are talking again, and they are hopeful: the situation isn't as dire as it seems. especially as samir scored the winner to put france back on top of their qualifying group. indeed, their new hero has given them much to cheer.
sarkozy might not be seen as a hero; after all, the immigrants don't exactly like him. but samir has certainly endeared himself to the french. they may be different in this respect. but one thing is for certain: samir and sarkozy, both the scion of immigrants have made an impact on france; they have arrived on the biggest stage in dramatic fashion. and now, they have the opportunity to play an important role in the rejuvenation of france.
one can only wonder if they will grab their chances.
i think the months of may and june have been kind to france. france hasn't exactly been having a good time. trouble in the banlieus, unemployment, isolation abroad...basically too much of an outdated chirac has reduced france's standing in europe and the world. even the surprising success of the les bleus in germany 2006 cannot hide the problems of the national team: too old, struggling and the impending retirement of zidane.
then came the elections. for the first time in a while, people actually bothered to listen to what segolene royal and sarkozy had to say. there was buzz. sarkozy's victory by a clear margin gave him a mandate, whether or not he had been voted because he was the lesser of two evils was secondary. but in sarkozy, the french have, on paper at least, someone strong enough, assertive enough to thrust france forward again. if, IF he pulls it off. but there is certainly reason for optimism.
then came the qualifiers. suddenly the french are playing with some style again, galvanised by the emerging samir nasri, hailed as the new zidane. here is someone with the ability to lead them to greatness again. people are talking again, and they are hopeful: the situation isn't as dire as it seems. especially as samir scored the winner to put france back on top of their qualifying group. indeed, their new hero has given them much to cheer.
sarkozy might not be seen as a hero; after all, the immigrants don't exactly like him. but samir has certainly endeared himself to the french. they may be different in this respect. but one thing is for certain: samir and sarkozy, both the scion of immigrants have made an impact on france; they have arrived on the biggest stage in dramatic fashion. and now, they have the opportunity to play an important role in the rejuvenation of france.
one can only wonder if they will grab their chances.
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