World | Nicolas Sarkozy Sarkozy Disses Brown, Vows to Avoid British 'Mistakes' Paris tries to smooth over diplomatic rift after president's interview By Jason Farago Posted Feb 6, 2009 8:56 AM CST Copied French President Nicholas Sarkozy, left, looks on, as Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, right, makes his introductory speech at a conference in London, Monday, Dec. 8, 2008. (AP Photo / Lefteris Pitarakis, pool) Nicolas Sarkozy used a 90-minute TV interview last night to defend his handling of the global economic downturn—and swore to avoid the "mistakes" of his frequent ally, Gordon Brown. The French president claimed the Brit's decision to cut sales tax had "absolutely not worked." This morning Downing Street said it had a call from Sarkozy's office, assuring the British that his comments were not an attack on British policy. Sarkozy also used the interview, in the wake of massive protests across France, to indicate that he may not run for a second term as president in 2012. Asked why, he said, "My job is very difficult. It needs a lot of energy, a lot of strength to do it. And I have put all my strength into doing it as well as possible." Read These Next Defense officials react to Hegseth's Quantico meeting. Colorado wants to give 'peace of mind' on Hunter S. Thompson. Government shutdown is here. Here's what to expect. President asks nation's top generals to loosen up. Report an error