http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/moisi27/English

He begins with this: "Ever since key public figures signed a manifesto in a French magazine denouncing the dangers of a monarchical drift - without ever mentioning the president's name - the political atmosphere in France has been electric."

And ends with this: "Indeed, the most serious casualty of the current political climate in France is Sarkozy's reform agenda. It is as if his personality had become the biggest obstacle to his determination to break with the past."

I think he is on the mark.

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.