Nicolas Sarkozy, France's president-elect, was criticized by political enemies Wednesday after refusing to apologize for a post-election luxury yacht trip amid violent protests over the election result.
Sarkozy whisked his wife and son off for a tour around Malta a day after his election Sunday. However, even before dropping anchor as expected by Wednesday evening, he defended his mini-vacation aboard the 60-meter (nearly 200-foot) yacht on loan from billionaire investor Vincent Bollore as a reasonable right.
"I have no intention of apologizing," he said by telephone to Europe-1 radio, adding that he had a full week before taking on "the supreme responsibilities of president of the Republic in as calm a mood as possible.
"I'm taking two and a half days. I don't think anyone can argue with that."
Outgoing President Jacques Chirac is to turn over power to Sarkozy on May 16 after 12 years in office. Chirac held his final Cabinet meeting Wednesday.
Former Socialist Justice Minister Elisabeth Guigou called Sarkozy's escapade "scandalous" and "indecent."
"All this money when he pretends to be the ... president of all French (people)," she said on the TV station iTele.
Former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin also defended Sarkozy's retreat, saying the president-elect needed to "recharge his batteries" after a grueling campaign.
"Nicolas Sarkozy has the right to three days of happiness with his family," Raffarin said on RTL radio. "It's from May 16 that the French will judge the new president."
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