French President Nicolas Sarkozy has indicated for the first time he will seek another term in the Elysee Palace, according to local media Wednesday.
Speaking to a gathering of members of the Social Right Club, composed of ruling UMP deputies and senators on Tuesday, Sarkozy said he intended to seek a second mandate, local radio RTL reported.
"Me, you know, I can be here (Elysee) only for two terms, no more. After that, it will be la dolce vita ('sweet life' in English)", the president told the meeting, Xinhua reported.
"There is another life after the Elysee. In our political family, there are plenty of talents and we must make them live. I do not want to be accused of wanting to bully anyone... And when the time comes, the best man wins," he said.
The 55-year-old president, elected in 2007, said during a recent TV interview following a November government reshuffle that he would consider his candidacy in the autumn of 2011.
According to the French constitution, the head of state can not serve more than two consecutive terms of presidency. In 2002, presidential terms were shortened from seven years to five.
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