Sarkozy and Bruni rumoured to be having affairs

Issued on: 10/03/2010 - 09:42Modified: 10/03/2010 - 11:52

By: James CREEDON Follow

Today we look at Joe Biden’s trip to Israel, the aftermath of Togo’s elections as well as rumours that Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni are both having affairs! Sarkozy is said to be romancing Ecology Minister Chantal Jouanno while Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is said to be involved with award-winning singer Benjamin Biolay. WEDNESDAY, 10th MARCH, 2010

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“Are Sarkozy and Bruni BOTH having affairs?” asks the Daily Mail. The British paper is just one of many to ask that question this morning as the rumour spreads like wildfire across the web.

Nicolas Sarkozy is said to be romancing his 40-year-old ecology minister, Chantal Jouanno. A spokesman for Mrs. Jouanno said she was “scandalized by this rumour” and was prepared to pursue legally any “slanderous comments”. The Elysée has declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Carla Bruni is said to be involved with prize-winning musician Benjamin Biolay.

The British tabloid The Sun, as well as respected Swiss paper La Tribune de Génève, say the rumours started on Twitter where French journalists first alleged Bruni was having an affair with Biolay. The story was picked up by several blogs in France and the noted Sunday paper, Le Journal du Dimancheon its website.

The Daily Telegraph picked up on details in the Journal du Dimanche blog post claiming that Bruni and Biolay went to Thailand a few weeks ago for a holiday “that was cut short when the president called her back to Paris". The post was subsequently taken offline on the grounds of respect for the private lives of the President and First Lady.

Generally the French press gives a pretty wide berth to rumours about politicians’ private lives. François Mitterand notoriously was able to hide the existence of a daughter born to his mistress up until his death.

Other stories in today’s international papers:

New York Daily News: Vice President Biden lashes out at Israel on East Jerusalem settlement boom

Haaretz: The slap heard round the world

Haaretz: When Israelis degrade Israel by humiliating Joe Biden

Ynet News: “Hasson: Biden humiliation worse than humiliation of Turkish envoy”

Ynet News: “Arab media: Turkish ambassador humiliated by Israel”

Le Pays:Demonstrations in Togo

International Herald Tribune: “Who’s topping the art charts? Caravaggio, rascally antihero”