Have lately had some interesting talks with a French PhD student in political sciences. His take is pretty much that the Fifth Republic and its constitution can no longer operate in the 21st century - as it was specifically designed by De Gaulle to give the president far-reaching powers, specifically to solve the Algerian conflict. Sarkozy is evidently showing that a populist idiot can come by and exploit the presidency to maximum damage.

Unless parliament is dissolved and new elections are called for by Sarkozy -what will not happen soon I guess - nothing can obstruct the president for the next 4.5 years?