[LINK] "Nicolas Sarkozy slip puts French Alsace 'in Germany'"

[rfmcdonald]

Oh, Sarko. Facebook's Stephen may be rather interested in this item.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy made a gaffe while addressing a group of farmers in a French border region, saying he was "in Germany".

Mr Sarkozy dropped the clanger while delivering an address in Alsace - the region won back by France from Germany in World War I.

He quickly corrected his mistake, but was booed by some in the crowd.

Nationality in Alsace is sensitive as the region has been part of both France and Germany over the centuries.

Mr Sarkozy had been delivering an address to farmers in the town of Truchtersheim, 24 km (15 miles) from the German border.

He was explaining how he intended to protect their income, and said: "I can accept distortions of competition from China or India, but not from Germany. I'm not saying that simply because I'm in Germany."

He then added quickly: "I am in Alsace."

Mr Sarkozy held up his hand and attempted to joke it off. The crowd first laughed and then some booed.

Video is available here.

Thanks to Antonia for the heads-up!