While French President Nicolas Sarkozy was writing to the country’s MPs last month demanding that they make cost savings in their annual budgets, statistics were being revealed by the Cour des comptes, the French national audit office about some exorbitant spending on the premier’s new State transport. Mr Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni started using of a dedicated Airbus A330 for state missions in November last year; an aircraft that was formerly operated by Caribbean carrier Air Caraïbes so it was acquired on the cheap but which has seen a subsequent $500 million investment.
This has transformed the jet from a normal commercial passenger aircraft into a truly luxurious flying experience fit for… well, a President. As you would expect it is not like any normal VIP aircraft and it has been fitted with a missile defence system and a full medical room alongside the normal office, lounge and sleeping areas that you would normally find on larger corporate jets. But, that is not what has angered many politicians and citizens in the recession hit country.
According to the Cour des comptes report, which was obtained by at least one major newspaper, more than $1.5 million was allegedly spent on some special electric shutters to ensure privacy for Mr Sarkozy in his private cabin, while around $105,000 was reportedly spent on the installation of two electric ovens which will be able to cook any dish, rather than the conventional microwave ovens on all other aircraft that simply reheat pre-prepared food.
Mr Sarkozy's advisers claimed that the introduction of the widebodied aircraft was vital as two older A319s did not have the necessary range for long-distance missions and had meant that additional stops had to be factored into all long-haul flights. Also, communications issues meant that the President was out of contact for varying lengths of time when onboard the older aircraft. That might have been the case, but the vast expense furnishing the jet is what voters will remember when they return to the polls.
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