Sarkozy to leave politics if not re-elected

PARIS, March 8 (UPI) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he will leave politics if he is not re-elected in the country's upcoming presidential election.

Sarkozy is currently trailing his main opponent, Socialist candidate Francois Hollande, in opinion polls, Radio France Internationale reported Thursday.

However, he said he is not going to give up just yet, saying he has to "protect" French people and "build a strong France."

"A lot is up for stake," Sarkozy said. "I am worried about the program put forward by the Socialist candidate. … I am worried about the huge lack of experience at a very worrying time."

However, Sarkozy said he will not stay in politics if he is not re-elected to make way for younger lawmakers.

"You become used to power and that is always a very bad thing," he said.