French president Nicolas Sarkozy was admitted to hospital in July 2009, after collapsing whilst out jogging. Some doctors attributed his malaise to fatigue and heat; others reported that he had suffered a ‘cardiac’ incident. Friends of the President claimed that he had been following a strict diet regime imposed by his wife, Carla Bruni, which involved eating little and ruled out high fat foods.
Like most of the French, Sarkozy is known to have a passion for high quality chocolate. During his brief recuperation in hospital, he is said to have received over 4000 boxes of chocolate from well-wishers attempting to boost his morale. Sarkozy remarked to journalists that the volume of chocolate boxes he received would take several lifetimes to consume.
Whether in our business and personal lives, we offer chocolate gifts as a gesture of affection, warmth or thanks. So perhaps Sarkozy should take heart: At least 4000 French citizens are still on his side!