Military command

President Nicolas Sarkozy has formally announced plans to take France back as a full member of NATO.

French reintegration into NATO’s military structure has been a gradual process. France is currently the fourth largest contributor of troops.

Sarkozy’s main task is to convince the public. He faces resistance from the opposition and from the members of his own party.

A notable opponent is his rival Dominique de Villepin, the former prime minister.