'You're a failure if you don't own a Rolex by the time you're 50,' claims Nicolas Sarkozy's best friend



Jacques Seguela's comments have sparked fury in France

Nicolas Sarkozy's closest personal friend has sparked outrage in France by branding anyone who doesn't own a Rolex watch by the age of 50 as 'a failure'.

The remark by millionaire advertising tycoon Jacques Seguela has been branded 'obscene' at a time when millions of French people are struggling with low wages and soaring unemployment.

It will also be acutely embarrassing to the president, who was urged by his own advisors last year to tone down his 'bling' image by not wearing his own £10,000 Rolex and Ray-Ban sunglasses in public.

Seguela - who introduced the president to wife Carla Bruni at a dinner party in November - made the quip during a TV interview this week.

Asked whether he approved of Sarkozy's love of flashy jewellery, the 60-year-old businessman replied: 'So what if he owns a Rolex, we can't blame him for that.

'Everyone has a Rolex. If you don't have a Rolex by the time you reach 50, then you have clearly failed in your life.'

The comment also comes as Sarkozy was hit by polls showing six out of then French people think he is failing to tackle the economic crisis.

But French news website Agora said yesterday: 'This remark is obscene. We would like to shove Seguela's own Rolex down his throat.'

French daily France-Soir said: 'There is a global financial crisis and people are struggling to make ends meet. Most workers will find this highly offensive.'

Jean-Frangois Copi, presdient of Sarkozy's own UMP party, added: 'It is ridiculous to say owning a Rolex is a mark of success in life.

'Success is realising your goals, being able to do the things you want to, and being with the person you love.'



Seguela refused to apologise for the comment, saying he only said it because he was 'trapped' by the journalist on the France 2 morning news programme.

Matchmaker: Seguela introduced Nicolas Sarkozy, who has also be criticised for his 'bling' lifestyle, to Carla Bruni