French media asked to kick Sarkozy habit for 1 day

PARIS, Sep 11 (Reuters) After Smoke Free Day and Car Free Day comes Sarkozy Free Day.

A group called Democracy in Television wants French media to kick its apparent addiction to President Nicolas Sarkozy by not mentioning the hyperactive leader on November 30.

''Break your habits for 24 hours and help French people detox themselves from media Sarkozitis,'' it said in a statement.

Sarkozy has taken the lead in setting policy since his election victory in May and blanket media coverage of the 52-year-old has left scant room in the public eye for Prime Minister Francois Fillon, let alone the opposition.

Democracy in Television, set up by sociologist Pierre Boutin, called for the day of cold turkey to coincide with the first anniversary of the launch of Sarkozy's presidential bid.

''Not a single image, not a sound, not a line on the actions and gestures of Nicolas Sarkozy should appear in the media that day. Neither praise, criticism nor commentary. Nothing at all, please, apart from an unusual and democratic silence,'' it said.

Boutin told Reuters he was less concerned about whether November 30 proved to be Sarkozy-free and more intent on making a point.

''There are a lot of journalists who are exasperated by the cult of personality which has grown up around Sarkozy and the main thing is to launch the idea,'' he said.

REUTERS SBC HT1627