Paris - Former French prime minister Alain Juppe has received a letter threatening his life, the third politician from the ruling UMP party to have been menaced recently in this fashion, French media reported on Tuesday.

The anonymous package contained a 9mm bullet and the message: "You believe that you control our lives, but no, it is we who control yours and those of your families."

It was delivered on Monday to the Bordeaux City Hall. Juppe is currently mayor of that south-western French city.

The letter also cited the names of President Nicolas Sarkozy, Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie and Justice Minister Rachida Dati.

It was the third letter of this kind sent to elected officials of Sarkozy's UMP party since February 9. Sarkozy was cited in each of the other letters as well.

France Info radio reported Tuesday that investigators believe that the letters are likely the work of a mentally disturbed individual. (dpa)