Sarkozy is now president of the UMP,
the ruling French party. At the very least, France 2 says, that means the UMP "will have to serve the ideas of its president, which are very different from those of the current resident of the Elysée (Jacques Chirac)". The France2 report asks if, in view of Sarkozy’s initiative “The Republic, the religions, and hope”, this will lead to a “Bush-style liberalism” (a phrase that might strike fear in some, and surprise in others).

Bruce Walker believes that

The poison of Chirac and the Left can be dramatically diluted by the true friendship of a brilliant man like Sarkozy. Curiously, Sarkozy also has a Jewish grandfather, and a practicing Christian of Jewish heritage reaching out a hand of friendship to moderate Moslems is just what the world will be needed in three years when Sarkozy, likely, will be assuming one of the most powerful offices in any democracy, President of the Republic of France.

We shall see.