Honored Guest

If it isn't the certifiable Jacques Attali, it's the Grand Orient. And if it isn't the Grand Orient, it's Tony Blair. Nicolas Sarkozy has no interest or affinity for ANYTHING that isn't left-wing. Yes, he's accused of being a "capitalist" because he sails on the yachts of his rich friends. And he's accused of being friendly to religion because of ONE speech he gave in Rome (that will turn out to benefit Muslims, most likely). And he is accused of being an ARCH CONSERVATIVE because he wants to deport 25,000 illegals a year, allowing the remaining 575,000 on French soil to collect welfare.

It seems Tony Blair was the guest of honor yesterday at the national council of the UMP party. This excerpt is from Le Monde:

"In the United States I would be a Democrat, in the United Kingdom I'm a laborite. In France I would be... probably in the government," joked the former British prime minister in the language of Molière, provoking laughter from the 2500 party members and leaders of the UMP who had gathered at the Palais des Sports in Paris on Saturday January 12. "No, I'm kidding," said the leader of the New Labour Party, becoming more serious, "I would be in the Socialist Party, side by side with those who have its transformation at heart."

The guest of honor at the national council of the majority party, Mr. Blair made a sensation with a speech full of humor on the theme of change:

"Education and not regulation, a welfare-state that is active, not passive, a balance between work and private life, a new frontier of the welfare state, and unions that are partners for change and not for resistance."

Nicolas Sarkozy then left his seat and joined the former resident of 10 Downing Street on stage, saluting the public with his raised hand in Mr. Blair's. "Socialists like this are completely welcome in government," cried the French president, once again praising the theme of political openness.

The rest of Le Monde's article deals with the upcoming municipal elections and the overwhelming approval the UMP members gave to the lists of candidates.