Awkward ‘Must We Stand Beside Each Other?’ Pic of the Day

They’ve spent a month at each other’s throats – but this morning Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy stood side by side in Paris.

THEY’RE TWO MEN who have been at each others’ throats for the best part of a month – with their rivalry coming to a dramatic head last Sunday.

But this morning, outgoing French president Nicolas Sarkozy (right) and the man elected to replace him, Francois Hollande, stood side by side in Paris.

The pair were observing a moment of silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc du Triopmhe, to mark Victory in Europe Day – the date in 1945 when the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of German forces in Europe.

Hollande will succeed Sarkozy as the President of the Fifth French Republic next Tuesday, May 15.

(Photo: AP Photo/Francois Mori, Pool)

Read: Francois Hollande wins French presidential election

More: Merkel: Fiscal Treaty will not be renegotiated

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More