FRANCE:France's Nicolas Sarkozy quoted the late Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech yesterday, hoping to woo young voters put off by his hardliner image with promises of equal opportunities.
The conservative presidential hopeful cited King's 1963 speech at a Paris youth rally in which he hailed France's ethnic diversity and backed affirmative action to ensure all enjoyed a fair start in life.
"That speech deeply moved the world and that great dream of brotherhood and justice he spoke of changed America," Sarkozy told some 12,000 young supporters at a Paris rock venue.
"If the dream could change America, why might it not change France? We will manage it if French youth, like American youth, make Martin Luther King's their own," he said.
"As president I want to unite all French people and I will honour all those who have made France great, regardless of the colour of their skin, their politics or social origins."
Sarkozy's speech also appeared designed to appeal to the moderate voters he needs to attract if he is to become the first immigrant's son to rule modern France in May.
His call for a ministry for immigration and national identity has reinforced his more strident image and coincided with a further slip in his lead in the opinion polls, even though one survey showed strong support for the idea.
Yesterday's Journal du Dimanche/IFOP poll suggested Sarkozy would beat Socialist Segolene Royal in a May 6th run-off ballot, but showed his support had dropped two points to 26 per cent in the first round, equalling his worst rating this year. Opponents say Sarkozy has a problem with young voters, contrasting his problems organising trips to France's tinderbox suburbs with trouble-free visits by centrist Francois Bayrou, whose recent rise in the polls has eaten into Sarkozy's lead. Sarkozy alienated many young voters with harsh outbursts on law and order, comments many blame for stoking the tensions which erupted into the 2005 riots, the worst in 40 years.
Serenaded after his speech by a hit Rai singer - Rai is a popular north African music form - and cheered by a delegation from some Paris suburbs, his campaign aimed to show Sarkozy has support among minorities and in tough districts.
Some aides have warned Sarkozy that his tough views on crime and immigration are unpopular with traditionally left-leaning young voters, and that he must avoid radicalising them. Opponents have urged residents in the suburbs to hit back at Sarkozy by registering for the April/May ballot and voting against him. - ( Reuters)