AFP
Former president Nicolas Sarkozy announced his return to French politics Friday, taking to Facebook to offer disenchanted voters a "new political choice" amid a deep economic crisis.
After several months of 'will he, won't he', France's ex-leader announced his return to the cut-throat political front-line despite being directly or indirectly involved in several graft investigations.
The energetic 59-year-old -- who inspires disdain and adoration in roughly equal measure -- made the announcement in a very 21st century way, via a declaration on his Facebook page.
"After a lengthy period of reflection, I have decided to offer the French people a new political choice," he said.
He said he could not "remain a spectator given the situation in which France finds itself, given the destruction of political debate and the persistence of the derisory splits within the opposition".
A political heavyweight who earned the nickname "bling-bling" for his flashy style, Sarkozy once told journalists they would never hear from him again if he lost the 2012 polls.
But his comeback arrives as his one-time nemesis, current President Francois Hollande, struggles to contain an economic crisis that has seen his popularity sink to record lows.
Experts say Sarkozy's return might even have the effect of boosting Hollande, as it will deflect attention from his own failures and give him someone to aim at.
Asked whether the Socalists wanted Sarkozy back, a top Hollande ally, Jean-Marie Le Guen replied: "Of course! We've been on our own in the ring for two years now."
"For Francois Hollande, for the government, for the left, it's definitely good news," said political scientist Eddy Fougier.
However, experts warn a Sarkozy comeback will be no easy path.
"He had gradually forged the image of a wise man who stayed on the edge of the river and who only made comments every now and then," said Pascal Perrineau from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris.
"But if he becomes UMP president, he will be asked for his opinion on everything every morning. There is a risk he will be worn down."
Many in the embattled and divided UMP party are loyally devoted to the son of a Hungarian immigrant. But he also has a lot of rivals within.
Chief among these is Alain Juppe, a popular politician and onetime prime minister who served as defence and then foreign minister under Sarkozy. He has announced he will stand for UMP primaries planned for 2016, with a view to running for president the following year.
Polls suggest Juppe is the favourite among the French even if Sarkozy remains the most popular within his own camp.
