Global News Blog: Nepotism at its Finest

Posted by Stephanie Markman

The French president’s family has created yet another uproar in Paris. The trouble centers around President Nicolas Sarkozy’s son, Jean. In early October, the 23 year old law student was named as a candidate to become the head of EPAD, a public agency that runs the development of La Defense, the business center of Paris. As a multi-billion dollar agency in the midst of a major modernization project, this move caused an uproar in France.

Jean Sarkozy is currently a second year law student and also serves as a councillor to a wealthy Parisian suburb (a role similar to that of mayor). Does that qualify him for such a high profile, critically important position? Many of his father’s political supporters came to Jean’s defense, citing his professionalism and passion for politics and the projects of EPAD. But far louder were the cries of nepotism – some from within the UMP party which his father represents, from his father’s political opposition, from the media, and from the French people themselves.

On October 23, Jean officially renounced his bid for chairman and was instead elected to serve on the governing board of EPAD. In his statements to the press, Jean said that he would not accept a position tainted by suspicion. Considering the intense scrutiny of the first family, Jean’s actions lacked foresight and will most likely have negative repercussions for his future career – he has expressed interest in pursuing a career in politics – and for his father.