‘Polite’ praise for Chirac

PARIS – French newspapers mustered yesterday polite praise for Jacques Chirac, one day after France’s veteran leader announced he would not seek another term as president, while at home and abroad there was also candid criticism of his record in office.

The French press tried to strike a balanced tone, praising Chirac for his fierce defence of France on the international stage and his opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq. And while they skipped over the corruption allegations that still hang over Chirac from his earlier period as Paris mayor, French newspapers did not hesitate to criticise his record from 12 years as president.”Jacques Chirac didn’t succeed in waking up France or the French on the fundamental question of the economy,” wrote the business daily La Tribune.”Jacques Chirac will leave a France in trouble.”Chirac also came in for rebuke for calling a referendum on the European Constitution.Nampa-SapaAnd while they skipped over the corruption allegations that still hang over Chirac from his earlier period as Paris mayor, French newspapers did not hesitate to criticise his record from 12 years as president.”Jacques Chirac didn’t succeed in waking up France or the French on the fundamental question of the economy,” wrote the business daily La Tribune.”Jacques Chirac will leave a France in trouble.”Chirac also came in for rebuke for calling a referendum on the European Constitution.Nampa-Sapa