Sarkozy says crisis not finished, but leading to world where French voice will be better heard

Sarkozy warns crisis not over yet

VERSAILLES, France — French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned Monday that the economic crisis “is not finished,” but added that the profound changes it is causing mean France’s views will carry more weight around the world.

Sarkozy also pledged that he would not introduce austerity policies as a result of the downturn, and said “I will not raise taxes because … it will prolong the crisis.”

“In raising taxes … we will not settle the deficit, we will make it larger,” Sarkozy said.

“The world after the crisis will be a world where France’s message will be better heard and better understood,” Sarkozy said in a speech marking the first time a French president has addressed the parliament in 136 years.

The global economic crisis will lead to “a world where the demand for justice, regulation and protection will be stronger,” Sarkozy said.

The French president cautioned lawmakers gathered at the Chateau of Versailles that “the crisis is not finished.”

“We don’t know when it will finish, we have to do everything so that it is as soon as possible,” Sarkozy said. “To believe that the crisis is over would be a fatal error,” Sarkozy said, “because nothing will be like it was before.”

Sarkozy has called for a “moralization of capitalism” and pushed for greater international regulation and measures to prevent new market crises.