Sarkozy was criticized by government minister Azouz Begag for calling the protesting youths "scum," and the opposition Socialists have denounced Sarkozy's policies.
But the interior minister defended his approach.
"I speak with real words," Sarkozy told Wednesday's Le Parisien newspaper. "When you fire real bullets at police, you're not a 'youth,' you're a thug."
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The one guy who gets it right, Sarkozy, is "denounced."
When are the French going to realize that appeasement doesn't work? Maybe if enough realize this Sarkozy will unseat Chirac.
"Maybe if enough realize this Sarkozy will unseat Chirac."
Sarkozy will not "unseat Chirac".
Chirac will retire, and 2007 will be a contested race.
Sarkozy may square off against Villepin, but Villepin will probably beat him.