His love life is not seen as a human, romantic affair and a sign of youthful energy, but as a possibly fatal distraction, the ultimate proof of his immaturity.

And Bush, while of course having no such experience of his own, could retell some of his father s stories when he was the head of the CIA in the 1970 s. Not to be left out, Europeans could use the film s romantic shots of Istanbul to open up about whether Turkey will ever join their club.

But the world could be in for a surprise or at least half a surprise. When it comes to politicians liaisons, continuity may prevail in France but on the issue of reform, change may be around the corner.