SARKOZY JUNIOR EMBROILED IN NEPOTISM ROW

RISE OF SARKOZY JUNIOR
WHIPS UP NEPOTISM STORM FOR 'PAPA'

PARIS (AFP) - The imminent promotion of President Nicolas Sarkozy's son to manage France's wealthiest business district drew howls of protest and derision Monday over the 23-year-old's meteoric political rise. Opposition politicians accused the president of nepotism and charged the "Sarkozy clan" was tightening its grip on the "treasure chest" of La Defense, a district west of Paris where top French firms are headquartered. According to his critics, the student has only one qualification to become the next political boss of the lucrative, prestigious but floundering La Défense business district west of the city centre: He is the son of the President of the Republic. Dubbed "Prince Jean" by the press, undergraduate Jean Sarkozy is in line to replace the minister for economic recovery, Patrick Devedjian, as chairman of EPAD, in La Defense.

This appointment would be the latest boost to Sarkozy junior's skyrocketing career. The younger Sarkozy, who seems to have inherited his father's confidence and boldness, dismissed the criticism, saying he was "very determined, very motivated." The blond-haired law student is an elected councillor in Neuilly, the rich Paris suburb that catapulted his father to prominence 30 years ago. The prospect of him being catapulted into such a powerful, if unpaid, position has raised howls of fury and derision.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US?

The tendency in this material world is that everyone is thinking that he shall be the best enjoyer, best enjoyer. So this is called struggle for existence. ... Even in communistic country, this Khrushchev was driven away. He was taking all advantages for his family, for himself. As soon as he got the post, he misused it. He gave his son-in-law very big post, his family members. That was detected, and he was charged that "You are using your influence, nepotism." Therefore, he was driven away. So this natural tendency, as soon as one gets power, he will try to utilize it. Nepotism. ... So this tendency of artificial supremacy means material life.

Srila A.C. BV Swami Prabhupada:

"Room Conversation - London, August 26, 1973"