(French Interior Minister, and leader of the governing party, the Union for a Popular Movement UMP, Nicolas Sarkozy gestures during his New Year's address in Paris, Thursday Jan. 12, 2006. Photo: AP)

France got its clearest look yet at the man who would be its next president, as Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy called Thursday for sweeping changes in the way France — and the European Union — operates.

Stopping short of announcing his candidacy for next year's presidential election, the ambitious interior minister said his aim was to "embody the future."

He marked a clear break with President Jacques Chirac's style of governance, asking whether the presidency had become "archaic." He held up a vision of a re-styled seat of power to narrow the credibility gap between old guard polticians and the people.

The 73-year-old Chirac, in his second term, has been the leading force on the conservative right for three decades, the official bearer of the Gaullist legacy.

However, as president since 1995, Chirac has often confined his public role to affairs of state. Increasingly aloof, he took 11 days to respond to three weeks of rioting last year in France's depressed suburbs. Corruption scandals have weakened his authority and fed disenchantment with the political class.

"The future president can only be different from those who preceded him," said Sarkozy.

The suburban riots reflected "the extent of the failure of our public policies over 30 years," Sarkozy added — referring to a period that coincides with Chirac's preponderant role on the political right.

Sarkozy proposed a maximum of two five-year terms for presidents. He added, in an apparent swipe at Chirac: "When one's energy goes to lasting, one no longer thinks of doing."

There is currently no limit, meaning Chirac could theoretically run for a third term in 2007.

Sarkozy, who turns 51 later this month, heads Chirac's UMP party, but has positioned himself as a political rival with the man who once was his mentor.

His feisty nature, straight-talk and policy proposals have set him apart from the mainstream left and right.

Sarkozy says the French economic model no longer works; he champions strong policing and tougher immigration controls; he opposes Turkey's aspirations to join the European Union; he says France must adjust its secular foundations to better integrate its 5 million Muslims.

Sarkozy could face Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, widely regarded as Chirac's protege, in the party's January vote for a presidential candidate.

Sarkozy's proposals Thursday for making the president more accountable and parliament more powerful were radical. The prime minister would be reduced to the role of coordinator.

Sarkozy argued for a "president-leader who is engaged" not only in the larger issues but also in the "daily life of the French.

Sarkozy ventured far beyond his portfolio as interior minister in his remarks Thursday.

He said major European powers should have the lead role in European Union decision-making — and not be held back by smaller countries. Aside from Bulgaria and Romania, which hope to join the 25-member EU in 2007, no more members should be admitted until institutions are reformed, he said. Long opposed to allowing Turkey to join the EU, he stressed that "Europe needs frontiers."

(Source: AP)