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Nicolas Sarkozy Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Nicolas Sarkozy: Political Career and Presidency

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Nicolas Sarkozy: Political Career and Presidency Study Guide

Entry into Politics and Ministerial Service

Before becoming President, Nicolas Sarkozy primarily served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prior to his presidency, Nicolas Sarkozy's principal ministerial roles included Minister of the Interior, Minister of Finance, and Minister of the Budget, rather than Foreign Affairs or Defense.

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Nicolas Sarkozy played a key role in establishing the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) in 2003.

Answer: True

Explanation: As Minister of the Interior, Nicolas Sarkozy was instrumental in the foundation of the Conseil français du culte musulman (CFCM) in 2003, an organization designed to represent French Muslims.

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Nicolas Sarkozy served as Mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine from 1983 until 2002.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy held the office of Mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine for a continuous period from 1983 to 2002.

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During the 1993 Neuilly kindergarten hostage crisis, Nicolas Sarkozy acted as a negotiator.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the 1993 Neuilly kindergarten hostage crisis, Nicolas Sarkozy, then Minister for the Budget, personally engaged in negotiations with the perpetrator.

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Supporting Édouard Balladur in the 1995 presidential election led to Nicolas Sarkozy gaining a more prominent role in government.

Answer: False

Explanation: Supporting Édouard Balladur in the 1995 presidential election resulted in Nicolas Sarkozy losing his ministerial position and being temporarily sidelined.

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Under Nicolas Sarkozy's leadership, the RPR party saw significant success in the 1999 European Parliament election.

Answer: False

Explanation: Under Nicolas Sarkozy's leadership, the RPR party experienced a decline in the 1999 European Parliament election, falling behind Charles Pasqua's party.

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As UMP leader, Nicolas Sarkozy proposed selecting foreign students based on their academic merit for French educational programs.

Answer: True

Explanation: As leader of the UMP, Nicolas Sarkozy advocated for an immigration policy that included selecting foreign students based on academic merit for French educational programs.

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Which of the following was NOT a ministerial role held by Nicolas Sarkozy before becoming President, according to the source?

Answer: Minister of Foreign Affairs

Explanation: According to the source, Minister of Foreign Affairs was not among the primary ministerial roles held by Nicolas Sarkozy before his presidency; his key positions included Minister of the Interior, Finance, and Budget.

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What organization, intended to represent French Muslims, did Nicolas Sarkozy support the foundation of as Minister of the Interior?

Answer: Conseil français du culte musulman (CFCM)

Explanation: As Minister of the Interior, Nicolas Sarkozy supported the establishment of the Conseil français du culte musulman (CFCM), an organization intended to represent French Muslims.

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Which political party did Nicolas Sarkozy lead from 2002 to 2015?

Answer: Union for a Popular Movement (UMP)

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy led the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) from 2002 to 2015.

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For how long did Nicolas Sarkozy serve as Mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine?

Answer: 19 years

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy served as Mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine for 19 years, from 1983 to 2002.

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What was Nicolas Sarkozy's role during the 1993 Neuilly kindergarten hostage crisis?

Answer: He was the lead negotiator.

Explanation: During the 1993 Neuilly kindergarten hostage crisis, Nicolas Sarkozy acted as the lead negotiator.

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How did Nicolas Sarkozy's political career change after he backed Édouard Balladur in the 1995 presidential election?

Answer: He lost his ministerial position and was sidelined.

Explanation: After backing Édouard Balladur in the 1995 presidential election, Nicolas Sarkozy's political career shifted, leading to his sidelining from a prominent government role.

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What was the outcome for the RPR party under Nicolas Sarkozy's leadership in the 1999 European Parliament election?

Answer: It fell behind Charles Pasqua's party.

Explanation: In the 1999 European Parliament election, the RPR party, under Nicolas Sarkozy's leadership, experienced a poor performance, falling behind Charles Pasqua's party.

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As UMP leader, what policy did Nicolas Sarkozy propose regarding immigration?

Answer: Establishing quotas for skilled workers and selecting top students.

Explanation: As UMP leader, Nicolas Sarkozy proposed an immigration policy focused on selecting skilled workers and top students for French educational programs.

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Which of the following was NOT among Nicolas Sarkozy's key economic proposals as UMP leader in 2005?

Answer: Increasing taxes on corporations.

Explanation: Increasing taxes on corporations was not among Nicolas Sarkozy's key economic proposals as UMP leader in 2005; he advocated for a maximum income tax rate of 50% and measures concerning unemployment benefits.

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The Presidency: Domestic Policy and Reforms

Nicolas Sarkozy's government implemented a major reform of the French education system, focusing on university autonomy and responsibilities in 2007.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2007, the government under Nicolas Sarkozy enacted significant reforms within the French higher education system, emphasizing university autonomy and increased responsibilities.

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Nicolas Sarkozy declared a net worth of approximately €2 million to the Constitutional Council.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon declaring his assets to the Constitutional Council, Nicolas Sarkozy reported a net worth approximating €2 million.

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Nicolas Sarkozy increased his presidential salary from €240,000 to €101,000 annually.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy increased his presidential salary, raising it from €101,000 to €240,000 annually.

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In 2005, Nicolas Sarkozy advocated for a maximum income tax rate of 50% and measures against unemployment benefits abuse.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2005, Nicolas Sarkozy proposed economic measures including a maximum income tax rate of 50% and reforms to address unemployment benefits abuse.

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What was Nicolas Sarkozy's approximate net worth declared to the Constitutional Council?

Answer: €2 million

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy declared an approximate net worth of €2 million to the Constitutional Council.

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How did Nicolas Sarkozy change his annual salary upon becoming President?

Answer: He increased it from €101,000 to €240,000.

Explanation: Upon becoming President, Nicolas Sarkozy increased his annual salary from €101,000 to €240,000.

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The Presidency: Foreign Policy and International Relations

The 2008 financial crisis and the Arab Spring were significant international events that occurred during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency coincided with major global events such as the 2008 financial crisis and the onset of the Arab Spring uprisings.

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Nicolas Sarkozy advocated for granting NATO membership to Ukraine and Georgia in 2008.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2008, Nicolas Sarkozy opposed the immediate granting of NATO membership to Ukraine and Georgia, aligning with Germany's position.

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During France's 2008 EU Council presidency, Nicolas Sarkozy focused on climate change objectives and emissions reductions.

Answer: True

Explanation: France's 2008 EU Council presidency, under Nicolas Sarkozy, prioritized climate change objectives, aiming to secure EU approval for emissions reductions and an energy package.

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Nicolas Sarkozy's meeting with the Dalai Lama in December 2008 led to China postponing a planned summit with the EU.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy's meeting with the Dalai Lama in December 2008, during France's EU Council presidency, resulted in China's decision to postpone a planned EU summit.

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Nicolas Sarkozy supported the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, although he later critiqued the manner in which France's opposition was expressed.

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Nicolas Sarkozy campaigned for a 'No' vote in the 2005 referendum on the European Constitution.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy campaigned for a 'Yes' vote in the 2005 referendum on the European Constitution.

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In an August 2023 interview, Nicolas Sarkozy suggested Ukraine should join NATO and the EU.

Answer: False

Explanation: In an August 2023 interview, Nicolas Sarkozy suggested that Ukraine should remain neutral and not join NATO or the EU.

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Nicolas Sarkozy's motivations for the 2011 Libya intervention were suggested by a British Parliament report to be potentially linked to French interests and his political standing.

Answer: True

Explanation: A British Parliament report indicated that Nicolas Sarkozy's motivations for the 2011 Libya intervention may have been influenced by French national interests and his own political standing.

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Which major international crisis occurred during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency?

Answer: The 2008 Financial Crisis

Explanation: The 2008 financial crisis was a major international event that occurred during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency.

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Which country's potential NATO membership did Nicolas Sarkozy oppose in 2008?

Answer: Ukraine and Georgia

Explanation: In 2008, Nicolas Sarkozy opposed the potential NATO membership for Ukraine and Georgia.

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What was Nicolas Sarkozy's position on the 2005 referendum regarding the European Constitution?

Answer: He supported a 'Yes' vote.

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy supported a 'yes' vote in the 2005 referendum on the European Constitution.

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In an August 2023 interview, what was Nicolas Sarkozy's view on Ukraine's potential EU membership?

Answer: He suggested Ukraine should remain neutral and not join the EU.

Explanation: In an August 2023 interview, Nicolas Sarkozy suggested that Ukraine should remain neutral and not join the EU.

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What did a British Parliament report suggest about Nicolas Sarkozy's motivations for the 2011 Libya intervention?

Answer: Potential links to French interests and his political standing.

Explanation: A British Parliament report suggested that Nicolas Sarkozy's motivations for the 2011 Libya intervention might have been influenced by French national interests and his own political standing.

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Personal Life and Public Persona

Nicolas Sarkozy married Carla Bruni in 2008 at the Palace of Versailles.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy married Carla Bruni in 2008, but the ceremony took place at the Élysée Palace in Paris, not the Palace of Versailles.

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Nicolas Sarkozy's mother, Andree Jeanne Mallah, was of Hungarian aristocratic descent.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy's mother, Andree Jeanne Mallah, had a father of Greek Jewish origin who converted to Catholicism. His father, Pál Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa, was of Hungarian aristocratic descent.

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Nicolas Sarkozy's first wife, Marie-Dominique Culioli, bore him two sons, Pierre and Jean.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy's first wife, Marie-Dominique Culioli, was the mother of their two sons, Pierre and Jean.

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Nicolas Sarkozy's second wife, Cécilia Ciganer-Albéniz, gave birth to their son Louis in 1996.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Cécilia Ciganer-Albéniz was Nicolas Sarkozy's second wife and they had a son named Louis, he was born in April 1997, not 1996.

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During his 2007 presidential campaign, Nicolas Sarkozy supported full marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Answer: False

Explanation: During his 2007 presidential campaign, Nicolas Sarkozy opposed full marriage equality for same-sex couples, though he supported civil unions.

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In a 2007 speech in Dakar, Nicolas Sarkozy made remarks about African history that were widely criticized as racist.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 speech in Dakar included controversial statements regarding African history that drew widespread criticism and accusations of racism.

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The phrase 'Casse-toi, pauv'con' was directed at Nicolas Sarkozy by a member of the public.

Answer: False

Explanation: The phrase 'Casse-toi, pauv'con' was uttered by Nicolas Sarkozy himself, directed at a member of the public who refused to shake his hand.

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Following the 2005 civil unrest, Nicolas Sarkozy referred to young delinquents as 'rabble' and suggested cleansing suburbs with a Kärcher.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the 2005 civil unrest, Nicolas Sarkozy controversially described young delinquents as 'rabble' ('racaille') and alluded to using a Kärcher pressure washer to cleanse the suburbs.

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Giulia Sarkozy was the first child born to a French president while they were in office.

Answer: True

Explanation: The birth of Giulia Sarkozy in October 2011 marked a historical first, as she was the first child born to a sitting French president while in office.

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Nicolas Sarkozy was nicknamed 'Hyper-president' due to his perceived delegation of authority to ministers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The nickname 'Hyper-president' was applied to Nicolas Sarkozy due to his perceived tendency to centralize power and control policy details, rather than delegate extensively.

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Where did Nicolas Sarkozy marry Carla Bruni?

Answer: The Élysée Palace in Paris

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy married Carla Bruni at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

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Nicolas Sarkozy's father was of what origin?

Answer: Hungarian Protestant aristocrat

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy's father, Pál Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa, was of Hungarian aristocratic origin.

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How many sons did Nicolas Sarkozy have with his first wife, Marie-Dominique Culioli?

Answer: Two

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy had two sons, Pierre and Jean, with his first wife, Marie-Dominique Culioli.

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What was Nicolas Sarkozy's stance on same-sex marriage during his 2007 presidential campaign?

Answer: He opposed same-sex marriage but supported civil unions.

Explanation: During his 2007 presidential campaign, Nicolas Sarkozy opposed same-sex marriage but supported civil unions.

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What controversial statement did Nicolas Sarkozy make in his 2007 Dakar speech?

Answer: He stated that 'the African has never really entered into history'.

Explanation: In his 2007 Dakar speech, Nicolas Sarkozy controversially stated that 'the African has never really entered into history'.

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What phrase, meaning 'Get lost, you poor dumb-ass', is associated with Nicolas Sarkozy?

Answer: Casse-toi, pauv'con

Explanation: The phrase 'Casse-toi, pauv'con' is associated with Nicolas Sarkozy, originating from an incident where he directed it at a member of the public.

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Following the 2005 civil unrest, Nicolas Sarkozy's controversial comments included referring to young delinquents as:

Answer: 'Rabble' ('racaille')

Explanation: Following the 2005 civil unrest, Nicolas Sarkozy controversially referred to young delinquents as 'rabble' ('racaille').

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What was significant about the birth of Nicolas Sarkozy's daughter, Giulia, in October 2011?

Answer: She was the first child born to a French president while in office.

Explanation: The birth of Giulia Sarkozy in October 2011 was significant as she was the first child born to a sitting French president while in office.

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The nickname 'Hyper-president' given to Nicolas Sarkozy reflected his perceived:

Answer: Desire to control all policy aspects.

Explanation: The nickname 'Hyper-president' reflected Nicolas Sarkozy's perceived desire to control all policy aspects, both domestic and foreign.

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Post-Presidency and Legal Affairs

After his presidency, Nicolas Sarkozy was convicted of corruption and illegal campaign financing related to the Bygmalion scandal.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his presidency, Nicolas Sarkozy was convicted of corruption and illegal campaign financing, notably in connection with the Bygmalion affair.

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In September 2025, Nicolas Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy related to alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 campaign.

Answer: True

Explanation: In September 2025, Nicolas Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy concerning allegations of Libyan financing for his 2007 presidential campaign.

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After his presidency, Nicolas Sarkozy served on the board of the Lagardère Group and Accor.

Answer: True

Explanation: Post-presidency, Nicolas Sarkozy has held board positions, including with the Lagardère Group and Accor.

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Nicolas Sarkozy's French honors, such as Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, were permanently revoked in 2025.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2025, Nicolas Sarkozy's French honors, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, were permanently revoked.

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On December 18, 2024, Nicolas Sarkozy received a definitive sentence of three years in prison, with one year served under electronic monitoring, for corruption and influence peddling in the 'Bismuth affair'.

Answer: True

Explanation: On December 18, 2024, Nicolas Sarkozy received a definitive sentence of three years in prison, with one year served under electronic monitoring, for his conviction in the 'Bismuth affair' concerning corruption and influence peddling.

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Which scandal involved allegations of Libyan interference and financing in Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 presidential campaign?

Answer: The Libyan financing affair

Explanation: The scandal involving allegations of Libyan interference and financing in Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 presidential campaign is often referred to as the Libyan financing affair.

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Which of the following is a corporate board position Nicolas Sarkozy held after his presidency?

Answer: Member of the supervisory board of the Lagardère Group

Explanation: After his presidency, Nicolas Sarkozy served on the supervisory board of the Lagardère Group.

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What was the final sentence Nicolas Sarkozy received in December 2024 for the 'Bismuth affair'?

Answer: Three years in prison, one year under electronic monitoring.

Explanation: In December 2024, Nicolas Sarkozy received a definitive sentence of three years in prison, with one year served under electronic monitoring, for the 'Bismuth affair'.

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General Biographical Information

Nicolas Sarkozy's full name is Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarkozy de Nagy-Bocsa, and his surname is pronounced 'sar-KOH-zee' in English.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms Nicolas Sarkozy's full name as Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarkozy de Nagy-Bocsa and notes the English pronunciation of his surname as 'sar-KOH-zee'.

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Nicolas Sarkozy served as the President of France for a term beginning in May 2002 and ending in May 2007.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy's presidential term commenced in May 2007 and concluded in May 2012, not the period stated in the question.

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François Hollande succeeded Nicolas Sarkozy as President of France.

Answer: True

Explanation: François Hollande assumed the presidency of France following Nicolas Sarkozy's term.

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Nicolas Sarkozy won the 2012 presidential election, defeating François Hollande.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy did not win the 2012 presidential election; he was defeated by François Hollande.

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Nicolas Sarkozy was a lifelong member of the Socialist Party (PS).

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy was affiliated with center-right parties throughout his career, including the RPR and UMP, not the Socialist Party (PS).

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Nicolas Sarkozy received the Order of the Golden Fleece from Spain.

Answer: True

Explanation: Among his numerous foreign honors, Nicolas Sarkozy received the Order of the Golden Fleece from Spain.

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What is Nicolas Sarkozy's full name as stated in the source?

Answer: Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarkozy de Nagy-Bocsa

Explanation: The source states Nicolas Sarkozy's full name as Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarkozy de Nagy-Bocsa.

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During which years did Nicolas Sarkozy serve as the President of France?

Answer: 2007 - 2012

Explanation: Nicolas Sarkozy served as the President of France from May 2007 to May 2012.

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Who succeeded Nicolas Sarkozy as President of France?

Answer: François Hollande

Explanation: François Hollande succeeded Nicolas Sarkozy as President of France.

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Who defeated Nicolas Sarkozy in the 2012 presidential election?

Answer: François Hollande

Explanation: François Hollande defeated Nicolas Sarkozy in the 2012 presidential election.

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