Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy
has recently re-launched his political career with a rally near the city of Lille.
Opinion polls now suggest President Hollande has become the
most unpopular French president in modern times.
Mr Sarkozy's leadership bid for the UMP
is considered by many as a first step towards a presidential bid in 2017.
The prospect of Nicolas Sarkozy returning as candidate for
the French presidency in 2017 has split opinion between former President
Jacques Chirac and his wife Bernadette.
Mr Chirac, who makes no secret of his distaste for Mr Sarkozy,
has endorsed a different man for the ticket, choosing former Prime Minister
Alain Juppe.
Mrs Chirac was also quoted by French satirical newspaper Le
Canard Enchaine as saying that Nicolas Sarkozy was urging her to help him
effect a reconciliation with Jacques.Chirac.
His political comeback is said by friends to be strongly opposed by his
own wife Carla Bruni, who has 'begged him' not to stand because people were
'mean to him' as president. Carla has in the meantime, rrelaunched her singing career , which might help Nicholas.
