A hacker posted an announcement on French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s Facebook profile page saying the leader would not run for re-election.
“Dear compatriots, given the exceptional circumstances our country is experiencing, I have decided in my spirit and conscience not to run for office again at the end of my mandate in 2012,” said the fake message posted on Sarkozy’s official Facebook page on Sunday evening.
The post on the social networking site included a link to page with an invitation to “leaving drinks” for Sarkozy, set for 6 May 2012 (election day), at Le Fouquet’s cafe on the Champs Elysees in Paris, the same venue where Sarkozy celebrated winning the presidency in 2007.
The fake announcement was quickly taken down.
“My Facebook account was hacked into this (Sunday) evening, perhaps to remind me that no system is infallible,” said a message on Sarkozy’s page after it was reclaimed by the legitimate account holder.
Sarkozy, who has experienced record-low approval ratings in recent months, has not yet officially said he will run for re-election in the 2012 polls.
Tina Costanza
