My money is on Villipen to win in this opening round, Sarkozy will lose, only to fight another day , and be vindicated. One Sarkozy is temporarily out, the riots will stop, temporarily, giving Villepen and France a false sense of security.
You may be correct. I thought I read somewhere today that Villepin was sliding in the polls due to the lack of action on his part and that Sarkozy was rising to fill the void. I can't quote a source but next time I see it, I'll make a note.