5ft 5inch tall Sarkozy 'bans tall workers from factory walkabout'

London, June 15 (ANI): French President Nicolas Sarkozy has allegedly banned tall workers from attending a factory tour as they may make him look short.

The 5ft 5inch tall is said to have sent aides to the plant ahead of an official visit, to stop anyone over 5ft 6 ins from appearing alongside him.

The claims come just a week after the leader was reported to have barred tall bodyguards from his presidential protection team.

Sarkozy, who wears platform heels to look taller, is slated to visit the Turbomeca areonatics factory near Toulouse on June 22.

"I am almost six feet tall, and I was told I was not allowed near the official reception group," The Telegraph quoted an unnamed engineer working in the factory as telling Republique des Pyrenees, a local newspaper.

"It seems people at the factory decided it was better to yield to the president's wishes than face exile to the land of the pygmies," commented the paper. (ANI)