Sarkozy visits Lyon, France, with possible political comeback in mind

LYON, France, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy drew roars of applause at his wife's concert in Lyon, France, amid speculation he will return to the political arena.

A smiling Sarkozy arrived two hours before the concert Thursday by his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and greeted supporters who screamed "Come back, Nicolas" and waved a banner from his unsuccessful 2012 re-election campaign, Radio France Internationale reported.

He also met with the right-wing UMP party candidate in Lyon's upcoming mayoral race, Michel Havard, before the concert.

Radio France Internationale said there is speculation Sarkozy is testing his popularity, with an eye toward the 2017 presidential election, by accompanying his wife on a tour of French cities before she performs in Vienna, Berlin and New York.