AP News, March 12th, 2007
Jacques Chirac's potential successors _ including the head of his own party, Nicolas Sarkozy _ are racing to distance themselves from the French president's legacy that critics say is marred by economic stagnation and unfulfilled promises.
The 74-year-old veteran bared his soul to the French in a departure speech Sunday that even rivals called dignified and moving, one that conjured up nostalgia for an era of paternal statesmanship in which France once shone.
Chirac, in announcing he wouldn't seek a third term, left one question unanswered: Whom will he back as a successor?
There are fewer than six weeks left before the first round of voting April 22, and polls show a tight race among Sarkozy, Socialist Segolene Royal and centrist Francois Bayrou _ and nearly half of voters still undecided.
Sarkozy will most likely win Chirac's nod, though the two fell out years ago. Chirac's backing could be a mixed blessing, since Sarkozy has based his campaign on pledges to break with the past.
Sarkozy insisted in a radio interview Monday that he was not "anyone's heir," and said he would do things differently if elected president. "I wasn't handed anything," he said.
Bayrou offered Chirac "a small tip of the hat" in televised comments Monday _ but insisted he also wasn't seeking to be anointed Chirac's heir and recalled his longtime differences with the president.
Royal praised the "dignity" of Sunday's speech but also called for a "new page in history" post-Chirac.
Extreme right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen simply called Chirac "the worst president in the history of France."
French politicians and media on the left and right welcomed Chirac's weekend outpouring, but appeared relieved that he is stepping down. International reaction to his departure was subdued.
"Never for a minute did I stop serving this magnificent France. This France that I love as much as I love you ... this France that, believe me, has not finished suprising the world," Chirac said.
Critics say Chirac focused too hard on international affairs while France saw wages stagnate and discrimination fester. And despite his efforts, France's influence on the world stage has waned.
Chirac may be best remembered abroad for opposing the U.S.-led war in Iraq. The American response to his departure was reserved: The State Department expressed appreciation Monday for what it said was his good working relationship with the United States.
Chirac's departure had been widely expected, given his low popularity, advanced age and the defection of many backers to Sarkozy's camp.
In civilian life, Chirac will lose the presidential immunity that kept corruption investigations at bay. Sarkozy said Monday that, if elected, he would not interfere in any judicial proceedings targeting Chirac. Chirac's entourage has been implicated in party financing and other corruption scandals from his time as Paris mayor from 1977-1995.
