A surprise meeting between President Sarkozy and the Socialist candidate who wants to take his job in May was a picture of courtesy and warmth on Wednesday evening.

"/> A surprise meeting between President Sarkozy and the Socialist candidate who wants to take his job in May was a picture of courtesy and warmth on Wednesday evening.

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NICOLAS SARKOZY

Friendly words before battle begins

A surprise meeting between President Sarkozy and the Socialist candidate who wants to take his job in May was a picture of courtesy and warmth on Wednesday evening.

Friendly words before battle begins
Screenshot BFM TV

Both the President and François Hollande were attending a traditional dinner in honour of French jewish organisations, along with many other senior figures from French politics.

Hollande, accompanied by his partner Valérie Trierweiler, made the first move, crossing the packed room to get to the top table where the President was sitting.

Filmed by news cameras he was seen edging his way across the room until he tapped the President on the shoulder.

Slightly surprised, the President turned, smiled and stood up to shake hands.

BFM TV caught their brief discussion on film, which consisted of Hollande saying “I was asking myself why…..why all these people” to which Sarkozy replied “they’re not for me.”

After greeting some of the other guests at the table, Hollande then turned and left.

President Sarkozy is yet to declare his official candidacy in the poll which will take place in two rounds.

The first round of voting, in which voters can choose between all the declared candidates, will take place on Sunday April 22nd.

A poll for BFM TV on Thursday gave Hollande 30 percent of the vote, followed by Sarkozy with 26 percent. Just behind were Marine Le Pen of the far-right Front National on 17.5 percent and centrist François Bayrou on 13 percent.

The two leading candidates from the first round then go through to a final two-way contest on Sunday May 6th which, if the polls are right, will be between Hollande and Sarkozy.

The same poll gave Hollande 60 percent against 40 percent for Sarkozy.

President Sarkozy is expected to announce his candidacy in the next two weeks, according to a report by radio station Europe 1 on Thursday. 

Poignée de main de Nicolas Sarkozy et François… par zapataguevara

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BAN

Frankfurt party organizers face hefty fine for flouting Easter dancing ban

It is one of Germany's more surprising laws that has led to protests throughout the years.

Frankfurt party organizers face hefty fine for flouting Easter dancing ban
There are restrictions on dancing in Germany during Easter. Photo: Depositphotos/pitangacherry

With restrictions varying across the country's 16 states, the dancing ban, or 'Tanzverbot', effectively bars public dancing on the Christian holiday. In some states, including Hesse, the ban lasts for more than one day.

Now authorities in Frankfurt, the biggest city in Hesse, have vowed to crack down on anyone who ignores the ban that’s in place from Thursday to Saturday, reported regional newspaper the Frankfurter Rundschau (FR).

According to the law in Hesse, a fine of up to €1000 can be handed out to anyone who puts on a public dance event, the spokesman for the Ordnungsamt, Ralph Rohr, told the FR.

One of the city’s mayors, Uwe Becker, of the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), has called for residents to show respect for those who observe the religious Easter holiday, and not take part in any dancing.

“Even those who do not belong to a religion themselves should show respect for the feelings of others,” said the CDU politician who is head of the church department in Frankfurt.

The law in Hesse states that dancing in public is forbidden from 4am on Maundy Thursday until midnight on Holy Saturday, as well as on Sundays and public holidays from 4am until 12 noon.

According to Rohr, city police will conduct their usual checks during this time.

“If complaints are received, police will investigate them,” said the Ordnungsamt spokesman.

In response to the FR's question as to whether dancing would be stopped, Rohr said: “We will end what is not allowed.” Clubs will be contacted by authorities and warned in advance.

SEE ALSO: 10 ways to celebrate Easter in Germany like a local

Ban is contentious

As well as dancing, other activities are banned at Easter time, such as sporting events and gambling. The ban on dancing has led to protests across Germany throughout the years.

Centre-left Social Democrats politician Kevin Kühnert recently said the ban should be abolished. He said people should be able to decide for themselves whether they want to celebrate or not.  He told the Redaktionsnetzwerk that “anyone who wants to go to a disco that day should be able to do so.”

A protester at a demo in Stuttgart in 2015 holds placards that read: 'We dance when we want!' and 'Release the dance!' Photo: DPA

Not surprisingly, club capital Berlin is the most liberal state when it comes to upholding the silent public holiday, with the 'Tanzverbot' only in place from 4am to 9pm on Good Friday.

In the southern state of Bavaria, which is largely Catholic, the ban runs for 70 hours: from 2 am on Maundy Thursday until midnight on Holy Saturday. Penalties vary, but people who flout the law, which tends to be event organizers or club owners, risk fines of up to €1,500.

'Important gesture'

Meanwhile, in Frankfurt, Becker urged all citizens to comply with the legal regulation on Good Friday.

For many Christians it is deemed inappropriate to dance or celebrate during Holy Week – the seven days leading up to Easter Sunday. Good Friday, when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus, is of particular importance. For Catholics, the day is traditionally meant for fasting and abstinence.

Becker said that not taking part in “loud and exuberant celebrations” is “an important gesture” that shows respect to “fellow human beings”.

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