France's Sarkozy Says He Could Return To Politics 'Out Of Duty'

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has given his strongest hint yet that he might make a comeback bid in 2017, telling a magazine he feels a sense of duty to fix the economy. Sarkozy's remarks, due out on Thursday (March 7), will increase speculation he could return to politics - talk that has not stopped since the right-wing politician was ousted by Socialist Francois Hollande last May. Despite promising at the time to quit politics for good, the 58-year-old was quoted last October as telling a friend he may have no choice but to run in the next election, causing a stir among his fans who see Hollande as anti-business. Sarkozy said, "There will unfortunately come a time when the question will no longer be 'Do you want to?' but 'Do you have the choice?'" Sarkozy said. "In that case, actually, I will be obliged to take it on. Not out of desire. Out of duty. Only because it's about France." Since his defeat, Sarkozy has kept a low media profile, filling his time by vacationing and doing the rounds of the international conference circuit. Last August, Sarkozy made a rare return to the media limelight to call for urgent international action to end the diplomatic stalemate in Syria. Video Source: Reuters