Nicolas Sarkozy (pronounced (Wikipedia:IPA for French) audio-IPASarkozy.oggnik?la sa?k?zi, born Nicolas Paul St�phane Sark�zy de Nagy-Bocsa on January 28 1955) is the 23rd (List of Presidents of the French Republic) and current (Presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy) President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra (List of Co-Princes of Andorra). He assumed the office on 16 May 2007 after defeating Socialist Party (Socialist Party (Italy)) candidate S�gol�ne Royal 10 days earlier.

Before his presidency, he was leader of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). Under Jacques Chiracs presidency (Jacques Chiracs second term), he served as Minister of the Interior (Minister of the Interior (France)) in Jean-Pierre Raffarins (UMP) first two governments (from May 2002 to March 2004), then was appointed Minister of Finances (Minister of Finances (France)) in Raffarins last government (March 2004 to May 2005), and again Minister of the Interior in Dominique de Villepins government (2005-2007).

Sarkozy was also president of the General council (General council (France)) of the Hauts-de-Seine department from 2004 to 2007 and mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine, one of the wealthiest communes of France from 1983 to 2002. He was also Minister of the Budget (Minister of the Budget (France)) in the government of �douard Balladur (RPR (Rally for the Republic), predecessor of the UMP) during Fran�ois Mitterrands last term.

Sarkozy is known for wanting to revitalize the French economy. He has pledged to revive the work ethic, promote new initiatives and fight intolerance. In foreign affairs (Foreign policy of France), he has promised a strengthening of the entente cordiale with the United Kingdom and closer cooperation with the United States. His nickname, "Sarko", is used by both supporters and opponents.