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Sarkozy says that France will return to leadership role

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday vowed to push ahead with reforms this year and make France the soul and leader of a "Renaissance in the Old World."

In a New Year's message delivered live from the Elysee presidential palace, Sarkozy said the task of reforming the country was "huge, given that France is lagging so far behind the rest of the world."

"But believe me, my resolve is unfailing," said Sarkozy, dressed in a dark suit and tie, and seated next to a French flag.

"Despite the obstacles, despite the difficulties, I will do what I promised to do," he said.

LEADING PLAYER

With France set to take the helm of the EU in the second half of this year, Sarkozy said the country was ready to take on a role as a leading player in the world.

"Let France lead the way! This is what the people of the entire world expect from her," he said.

"Our Old World needs a new Renaissance. Well then, let France be the soul of this Renaissance! This is my warmest wish for the year to come," he said.

FIRST MONTHS

During his first eight months in office, Sarkozy has clashed with unions over pension reform, moved toward closer relations with the US and weathered upheaval in his personal life when his second wife Cecilia divorced him.

His new relationship with Italian ex-supermodel turned singer Carla Bruni has grabbed headlines, most recently after the couple was photographed during their vacation in Egypt.

Looking back on his first months in office, Sarkozy said he had tackled the most "urgent" tasks such as tax reform and bringing France back into the European fold with a proposed new EU treaty.

`CIVILIZATION'

"With the start of 2008, a new phase is beginning," said the president, adding that the next measures would underpin what he called a "policy of civilization" that deals more broadly with societal issues.

The president said that despite a gloomy economic outlook due to the financial crisis, "the first results of the measures undertaken should begin to take hold."

Sarkozy, 52, delivered his New Year's message live, with aides saying this would allow for a more personal touch than his predecessors' pre-recorded broadcasts.

In another first, the New Year's address was aired with simultaneous sign language for the deaf.
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