When the Germans invaded, a large percentage of the French people were pro-Nazi. Another large percentage were Communist supporters of Stalin (who had signed an alliance with Hitler).
This, I think, is the reason the French folded so fast, and cooperated so much, with the Nazis.
It seems that Sarkozy and his countrymen are not on the same page.
He was elected because he took a strong position against the rioters that were burning cars and businesses all over France. By the time they got close to Paris the elites said enough is enough.
As usual the elites don’t care a bit until it inconveniences them.