Sarkozy vs Royal
2007-04-23 15:16
Paris - Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal will go head to head for the French presidency on May 6. Here is a glance at some of their key policy differences.
Nicolas Sarkozy:
Economy:
Wants to make overtime pay tax-free to encourage people
to work more.
European constitution:
Wants to postpone controversial issues in favour of adopting a simpler constitution by 2009, without another
referendum.
35-hour workweek:
Says it's not creating jobs as intended but
would not abolish it. Wants to relax rules to let people work more for more pay.
Relations with the United States:
Embraces moniker "Sarko the American" and gladly shook hands with President Bush. Admires American "energy" and opportunity - but calls Iraq war a mistake.
Segolene Royal:
Economy:
Wants to raise the monthly minimum wage.
European constitution:
Wants to negotiate a new treaty and subject it to a referendum. Says the European Union should ensure
Europeans across-the-board social protections.
35-hour workweek:
Says it has had benefits and drawbacks. Wants
talks to consolidate the 35-hour week and fix its problems.
Relations with the United States:
Calls the Iraq war a "catastrophe" but says she doesn't confuse the Bush administration and its policies with the United States as a whole.
- AP