Jean-Francois Cope President, UMP Party, France

Published: June 9, 2013, 11:01 p.m.

France is one of the political heavyweights of the European Union, a key world economy and a major global player. Hardtalk speaks to Jean-Fran\xe7ois Cop\xe9, the leader of the UMP, the main opposition party on the centre-right, who has lurched farther to the right on issues like gay marriage. He has also made comments about the French Muslim community, which have led to accusations that he is threatening cultural harmony. Is he in danger of consigning his party to the political dustbin at home and on the world stage?

(Image: Jean-Fran\xe7ois Cop\xe9, Credit: AFP/Getty Images)