/ 24 October 2008

Sarkozy voodoo kit tops Amazon bestseller list

The Nicolas Sarkozy “voodoo manual” hit the top of internet retailer Amazon’s bestseller list in France on Friday, despite the president’s bid to get the book and accompanying doll banned.

A similar kit with a doll resembling the Socialist standard-bearer Ségolène Royal, whom Sarkozy beat in last year’s presidential election, was at number six on the US company’s French website.

The kits contain a short humorous biography, a doll of the politicians with some of their famous quotes printed on them, and a set of needles to stick into the dolls.

Sarkozy’s kit, titled Nicolas Sarkozy — The Voodoo Manual, is blue, while Royal’s is red.

The president is suing the company that sells the kits, which have been on sale since the start of the month at €13 ($17) a piece.

Sarkozy’s lawyer, arguing that his client has the exclusive right to his image, had earlier called on the makers to withdraw the dolls from sale, but the company refused to do so. – AFP