Behold Napoleon IV

[Josquius]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8243486.stm

*In a world where a carefully manipulated image (and sometimes stack heels) are essential, definitive vital statistics can be hard to come by. The heights shown here are those most commonly recorded for each world leader
*Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, for example, is variously reported as being between 5'2" and 5'4" tall
*Napoleon's height was once commonly given as 5'2", but many historians have now credited him with another 4 inches owing to a miscalculation between French and English units of measurement

There is a deepening row in France over the alleged lengths gone to by President Nicolas Sarkozy's aides in order to conceal his short stature.

In a Belgian TV report, the employee of a French factory visited by Mr Sarkozy admitted being chosen to stand behind him because she was no taller than him.

The report became an internet hit over the weekend and other workers have since backed the allegation.

But the charge has been robustly denied by the president's office.

A spokesman for the Elysee Palace called it "completely absurd and grotesque".
Graphic: How a selection of world leaders measure up

But the president has been mocked by the opposition Socialists for his "complete stage management".

Touchy subject

President Sarkozy visited the Faurecia factory in Caligny in Normandy, northern France, on Thursday last week as part of a drive to defend his management of the economy.

After a tour of the plant, he addressed factory employees while standing in front of a group of workers, who were all about his own height or shorter.

In a subsequent TV report by Belgian network RTBF, an unnamed employee confirmed she had been chosen to share the stage with President Sarkozy because she was no bigger than him.

Faurecia's management released a statement on Monday to "deny the rumours that the Elysee had made any 'special requests' as regards the staff present during the president's speech", reported French news agency AFP.

But French websites Le Post and Rue89 have since quoted union representatives at the plant, some of them named, as confirming that height criteria for staff to appear with Mr Sarkozy had been received by the management.

President Sarkozy is reported to be extremely touchy about his height, which is believed to be about 5ft 5in or 5ft 6in (165-168cm).

He has previously been pictured wearing shoes with a substantial heel and giving speeches standing on hidden platforms.

The French media have also previously noted the propensity of Mr Sarkozy's wife, the former model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, to don flat shoes when in the presence of her husband.

Made me chuckle.
I hadn't realised he was so small.

[Ed Anger]

Gordon Brown looks like a fat load of shit.

[Caliga]

Interesting... I thought Obama was taller than 6' 1".

[Josquius]

Gordon Brown looks like is a fat load of shit.

Fixed.

[KRonn]

Maybe eating some Freedom Fries will help Pres Sarkozy grow taller...   

[Grey Fox]

Super Sarko is much bigger and taller. He is a master at hiding his identity.

[Tamas]

It is not funny how our lifes are ruined by little men and their minority complex devolving into a need to rule people.

[DisturbedPervert]

Super Sarko is much bigger and taller. He is a master at hiding his identity.

Yeap, I'm sure he fools everyone

[Malthus]

Heh, I was just reading an account of how Nappy's letter in which he pours his heart out regarding Josephine's adultery was captured en route by the British, who took great and malicious pleasure in publishing it.

The ultimate  :nelson moment.

[Malthus]

It is not funny how our lifes are ruined by little men and their minority complex devolving into a need to rule people.

[Time Bandits] "Little people, hitting each other - that's what I like!" [/Time Bandits]

[Josquius]

Super Sarko is much bigger and taller. He is a master at hiding his identity.

Yeap, I'm sure he fools everyone

:LOL:
That's amazing.

[Malthus]

Super Sarko is much bigger and taller. He is a master at hiding his identity.

Yeap, I'm sure he fools everyone

[Neil]

Gordon Brown looks like a fat load of shit.

He really does look terrible, doesn't he?  Like he's never worn a suit in his life.

It's shocking that such a rumpled fellow could lead a modern democracy.

[Valmy]

I find it funny that only now, in 2009, the British press can finally admit Napoleon wasn't short after all.

I am amazed Silvio is that short.  I thought he was a big boisterous guy myself.

[Caliga]

I am amazed Silvio is that short.  I thought he was a big boisterous guy myself.

Don't know many Italians, eh?  They are a short people.