On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Louis Sarkozy, the son of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, appeared on the talk show Quelle époque!, hosted by Léa Salamé. The episode quickly became a mix of humor and sharp comments, especially from comedian Paul de Saint Sernin, who targeted Louis by referencing his father’s controversial reputation.
During the show, Léa Salamé discussed Louis Sarkozy’s diverse career. She mentioned his time living in the United States after his father’s presidency began, attending military school, and studying subjects like diplomacy, international relations, history, and philosophy in Washington and New York. Louis also started a moccasin collection with a Spanish brand, worked as a banker in Bogota, a consultant in Denver, and at the French embassy in Washington, all while writing for a conservative magazine. Salamé jokingly remarked, “Louis Sarkozy, where’s the coherence?” implying that his career lacked clear direction.
Louis responded confidently, saying, “Madame Salamé, there is absolutely none!” His comment made the audience laugh, setting the tone for the evening.
As the show went on, Paul de Saint Sernin, known for his sharp humor, targeted both Salamé and Louis. He first joked about Salamé, saying, “Léa! You know your father is a thief? He took all the stars in the world to put them in your eyes…” He then turned to Louis and bluntly said, “Louis! You know that your father is a thief? That’s all,” referencing the legal troubles surrounding Nicolas Sarkozy.
After the show, Louis took to social media to respond to the jabs. On X, he posted, “Léa isn’t a mean woman, and the show was rather amusing. The young comedian probably felt obligated to say these things — otherwise, he would have been attacked by his own group. The quality of the jokes was, as expected, perfectly at his level.” His response was both sarcastic and defensive, showing he was trying to stay composed amidst the humor.
Gauthier Le Bret, another commentator, criticized Paul de Saint Sernin for attacking Louis through his father. He argued that sons shouldn’t be held accountable for their fathers’ actions and pointed out that calling Nicolas Sarkozy a thief was inappropriate, especially since the case is unresolved.
The remarks sparked varied reactions. While some found de Saint Sernin’s humor entertaining, others, including political commentator Laurent Wauquier, criticized the comments as “crass stupidity and cruelty.” Wauquier praised Louis Sarkozy for maintaining his composure during the onslaught of jokes.
In addition to the humor, Louis promoted his book Napoléon Bonaparte – L’Empire des livres during the show. Despite the sharp remarks, Louis handled the situation calmly, which did not go unnoticed by viewers and commentators.
The episode of Quelle époque! has sparked discussions, with many reflecting on the mix of humor and political commentary. Louis Sarkozy’s ability to respond to the jokes with composure has earned him respect, even from those who may not agree with his family’s background.
As the show concluded, it was clear that the episode’s mix of comedy, personal stories, and political commentary resonated with viewers. The interactions underscored the complexities of growing up as the child of a prominent politician, with Louis Sarkozy’s ability to navigate both humor and serious discussions showing his understanding of the media world.
