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NICOLAS SARKOZY’S conservative UMP party changed its name at the weekend to “the Republicans” after a two-day vote by members.
The party is hoping that shedding its old name will help unload some political baggage before the 2017 presidential race, in which Mr Sarkozy hopes to be a candidate.
The name change has provoked a great deal of anger, with 64 per cent in one opinion poll accusing the former president of trying to privatise a French symbol.
Left-wing parties often invoke “republican discipline” to maximise unity against the right, which is historically linked to monarchism and clerical reaction.
However, a court ruled in favour of the rule change last week, with final judgment expected next year.
“I ask those on the left who want to deny us the name Republican: What have you done for the republic?” Mr Sarkozy told a cheering crowd at the party’s congress in Paris at the weekend.
