Sarkozy TV rebuke becomes web hit

The video shows the employee clipping a microphone to Mr Sarkozy's tie, and not responding to a presidential "hello".

"It's a question of manners," Mr Sarkozy is heard muttering. "When you're invited, you're entitled to have people say 'hello' to you".

The video, posted on the Dailymotion website, has drawn about 500,000 hits.

It was recorded on Monday, as Mr Sarkozy was waiting to be interviewed on France 3 television.

Inquiry

Mr Sarkozy is seen winking while complaining about the manners of the technician who appears not to have returned his greeting.

At the end of the brief outburst, he appears to suggest the employee should not be working for state TV.

Asked about the video, a spokesman for the presidency declined to comment.

FR3 has condemned the "pirating" of the off-air footage and launched an inquiry.