When Nepotism Goes Awry: Politicians And Their (Naughty?) Sons

Sons of big name political leaders have been making the news this week from Europe to Africa. In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy has taken heat for naming his son Jean to a high level government position. And in Libya, Muammar Gaddafi named his son Seif al-Islamsecond-in-command of the country.

But if you think Jean Sarkozy is controversial, check out these other sons who have gotten that extra boost from their parents' positions of power. Some have committed much worse acts than getting a big promotion. Which of these sons are the families' prized jewels -- and which are the black sheep?

UPDATE: And another! The BBC has reported that groups in Egypt have started campaigning to stop President Hosni Mubarak from passing power down to his son. The campaign, under a banner that translates loosely to "Who gave you the right?" is organized by a former presidential challenger, Ayman Nour.

Jean Sarkozy

The son of the French president has wasted no time following his father's footsteps into politics. What bothers his critics, however, is how quickly he has done so.

Already on the council for one of France's richest departments, Sarkozy the younger is also being pushed to take charge of La Defence, a region to the West of Paris that is one of Europe's major business hubs. Not bad for a 23-year-old law student.

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Comments

[Bariis]

This is no shock and awe. Mubarak's son will eventually get the post. The end.

[Churchi11]

I seem to remember another Egyptian leader also came under fire for haveing the temerity to sign a peace agreement with Israel. but he came under fire from the right wingers. just like Mr. Begin did.
at least we know that the lunatic fringe right wingers aren't just an American phenomenon.

[Superb1]

Now that you mention it, where is Baby Doc? :)

[JLSR]

All we can do is hope none of them do as much harm as W.

[jolofboy]

When Republics become kingdoms-
We are still missing some beloved africans in this group of prodigal sons.

[ywcachieve]

Ahhh..The American media's favorite family.

[voteblue4evr]

It was nice to see Bush up there, but what about Kennedys; Daleys?

[HowietheScreamer]

When did a child of JFK become President? I musta missed that election cycle.

[voteblue4evr]

Howie,
i presume you are an ignoramus so let me fill you in. JFK was the son of a banking tycoon who also was a US Senator.

[Yank in France]

I normally try to defend France by putting things in context, but this case of the little Sarko beiing named head of the Paris business district investment department is utterly ridiculous. His father seems to think he can do whatever he wants.
It is too bad, because I once hoped that Sarkozy would change France for the better by by making things easier for businesses, large and small, by tightening up France's ridiculously lax immigration policies, and by reducing taxes.
Instead, France has the same old socialist policies, there is a huge squat of African illegals parked outside my window who are protected by the local city hall, and the president is replacing experienced lieutenants in key positions involving huge budgets with a son that is still in school.
As such, Sarko deserves the comparison with dictator Kadhaffy. Maybe that is what he really meant by his proposal to create a union of Mediterranean countries!?

[blah2 0]

Wow, Jean is hot!

[ErnestineBass]

That he is! At first I thought it was a photo of JFK, Jr.

[UnePetiteParisienne]

Oh puh-leaze ... he looks like Charming in Shrek !
He should apply for a L'Oreal campaign for hair products instead of trying to run La Défense district ....

[monicaangela]

Now that you have pulled out the heir apparents in government positons, it would be nice if you would show the abhorent amount of nepotism that goes on in corporations....I dare you. 0 ;-()

[Americafirst2008]

THIS LITTLE D O UCHE WILL RUN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT INTO THE GROUND,

[monicaangela]

As in all cases of nepotism, I doubt if he will ever see the business district, daddy will see to it no mistakes are made, and if by chance some of those delegated to do the work make a mistake they will be dispensed with and Sarkozy Jr., will be given the credit for weeding them out.

[Crass Innuendo]

What a horrible outfit. Jean Sarkozy should get undressed immediately!

I mean, change clothes. >.>

[maggiee]

Lol. I was just thinking the same thing. he should definitely take off his clothes......

I mean put on a different outfit.

[digdeeper]

Big mistake M. Sarkozy. It never works unless of course you are an absolute dictator or absolute monarch. Although in the end, they get overthrown.

[messy - Huffpost Blogger]

George W. didn't start TWO wars. He started ONE war. Afghanistan's "guests" and ally Al-Qaeda started the war in Afghanistan. 9/11, remember?

[monicaangela]

No, you are mistaken, what should have been a police action became a war started by GWB and DC to have an excuse to enter Iraq for several different reasons, I thought everybody knew that by now.

[Yank in France]

You are right!

[alysheba 3]

Wrong. Bush invaded a country to attack people who were not citizens of that country. Same as he did in Iraq.

Bush could have invaded Saudi Arabia, the country which most of the hijackers were actual residents of and financed by, but who declares a war on friends and business partners?

[mazzetta]

actually he started at least 3 wars, don't forget Somalia

and don't forget the free pass for Lebanon and Gaza bombing, surely with a green light from Washington...

[Le Kitty Lakes]

Opposition to this young "heir apparent" will gradually pass, as he balds.