Sarkozy’s image as a strong leader is helping him narrow the gap with Hollande, but it will not be sufficient to balance out his poor economic record.

Thomas Didier, Richard Nadeau and Michael S Lewis-Beck examine the 2012 French presidential election from two standpoints: first, a retrospective dimension emphasizes the burden of Sarkozy’s poor record as a president. Second, a prospective dimension highlights how Sarkozy’s image is playing in his favour – but not enough to secure a victory.