Paris  - French President Nicolas Sarkozy demanded late Thursday that the European Union adopt a common position to reform the capitalist system.

During a 90-minute appearance on national television to discuss the economic crisis, Sarkozy also criticized the European Union for passivity in the face of the crisis.

"It is not possible that, in such a situation, Europe does not take the initiative," Sarkozy said, indirectly criticizing the Czech presidency and the European Commission.

Paris - A court in the Paris suburb of Nanterre on Thursday fined the

Paris - One week after a general strike and nationwide demonstrations to protest his government's economic policies, French President Nicolas Sarkozy will appear on national television late Thursday to defend his economic stimulus plans.

The success of the January 29 strike and demonstrations, in which up to two and a half million people took to the streets, has added urgency to his television appearance, which will be in the form of an interview.

Paris - There is a growing feeling in France that President Nicolas Sarkozy has created a kind of "elective monarchy," in the words of one of his critics, in which the prince wields his power to benefit primarily himself, his family and his friends.

The latest incident to raise this image was the forced transfer of two highly respected law officers after an anti-government demonstration disturbed an appearance by Sarkozy in the northern city of Saint-Lo.

London, Feb 02: French president Nicolas Sarkozy has admitted that his third wife Carla Bruni influences his politics.

Sarkozy, who celebrates his first wedding anniversary with Bruni today, told Le Point magazine that the views of his glamorous third wife mean a lot to him.

"I accord a lot of importance to what she tells me. Her views broaden my perspective, my thoughts,'' the Telegraph quoted Sarkozy, as telling the magazine.