Charges of Nepotism Surround French President, Son

Critics of both men say that is the only reason the younger Sarkozy has been handed such a plum job. According to AOL News, some critics are going as far as saying the appointment of Jean to director of the EPAD is an affront to France's egalitarian values.

The EPAD is the governmental agency that manages the La Defense financial district on the western outskirts of Paris. The huge district employs around 150,000 people and is headquarters of some of Europe's biggest companies, such as oil giant Total and bank Societe Generale.

Should he gain the chairmanship, Jean would not be the first Sarkozy to hold the position, as Nicolas once had the title himself, before ascending to President of the country.

"If he did not have the name he has, would he be where he is today?" asked Socialist Segolene Royal, who lost to Nicolas Sarkozy in the 2007 elections for the French presidency. Speaking on RTL radio, she said she was shocked by the bid.

Socialist lawmaker Arnaud Montebourg said, according to AOL: "There is no longer any limit; anything is allowed; there are no more principles, no more rules."

It's not just political opponents who are unhappy about this situation, as of yesterday 31,000 french citizens had included their names on a petition asking the younger Sarkozy to remove his name from consideration for the job. "Presiding such an institution requires competence and experience," reads the petition, "We urge you to finish your law studies and do a few internships in companies ... before, perhaps, one day, who knows, re-bidding for this job."

Jean is currently studying law at the Sorbonne.

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