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Out of Power but Newly Popular, France's Chirac Issues Memoir

PARIS -- In retirement, former French President Jacques Chirac has achieved something that eluded him while in office: popularity.

Days after he was ordered to stand trial on embezzlement charges, Mr. Chirac is rated as France's most admired political figure, according to French polling agency Ifop. During Mr. Chirac's presidency, from 1995 to 2007, his approval ratings slipped to 30% as he struggled with issues such as unemployment and crime.

The publication of his memoirs -- the first volume is out in France this week -- could cement a newly found status as the nation's grandfather.

"He is looking to rehabilitate himself," says Vincent Tiberj, a political researcher at Paris-based university, Sciences Po. "This is part of the transformation."

In his book, titled "Each Step Should Be a Goal," the 76-year-old Mr. Chirac retraces his career until his election to the presidency in 1995. He breaks his silence on his successor Nicolas Sarkozy, and weighs in on erstwhile rivals including former President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing...

Posted on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 11:22 PM | Comments (0) | Return

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