French President Nicolas Sarkozy has threatened to sue a publishing company if it does not withdraw from shops a “voodoo doll” in his image.

The doll comes with pins and a manual with instructions on how to put the evil eye on the president. Users can stick the pins into choice quotes from Mr Sarkozy which are printed on the doll.

Mr Sarkozy’s lawyer said the president had the “exclusive and absolute rights” over his own image.

He also has exclusive and absolute rights to act like a fool.