On Monday January 21st, French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid an unexpected visit to Paris’ suburb of Sartrouville, marking his first visit to one of the country’s poor towns that is home to many immigrants and French citizens of immigrant origin. Speaking in front of the town’s train station, Sarkozy said that he would soon address problems with unemployment and poverty in a detailed plan to be unveiled next month. The idea is we’re going to give you the chance to work or study, he said, adding that it would be not a last chance but a first one.
