- PARIS: Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin is setting the stage to challenge longtime rival Nicolas Sarkozy in presidential elections next year.
Villepin laid out a platform for his fledgling center-right political movement Thursday, but stopped short of formally announcing his candidacy.
“In 2012, I want to offer an alternative,” he said.
He is best remembered on the international stage for a rousing speech at the United Nations arguing against the United States-led invasion of Iraq.
Villepin said political adversary Sarkozy has consulted with him about recent unrest in the Arab world, and their relationship is that of any other two French citizens.
His party’s platform includes a greater role for workers on company boards and progressive income tax for everyone.