Chirac faces 'trust' trial Oct 31, 2009
Jacques Chirac will be the first former French president to be tried for corruption, officials said on Friday, after charges from his years as mayor of Paris returned to taint the twilight of his long career. Chirac stands accused of giving political allies lucrative bogus jobs as city hall "ghost workers" and his trial will be the latest in a series to expose graft and dirty tricks at the highest levels of state ... Judicial officials confirmed to AFP that Chirac would face trial on charges of... (iAfrica.com)
* Jacques Chirac told to stand trial for embezzlement Oct 31, 2009
Jacques Chirac told to stand trial for embezzlement ... Former French president Jacques Chirac has been ordered to stand trial on embezzlement charges dating back to his time as mayor of Paris, an unprecedented move against a former French head of state ... These are old stories and, today, Jacques Chirac probably has lots of things on his conscience but at the same time he has given a lot to the country, said Segolene Royal, a former candidate for president from the Socialist Party, which... (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Ex-French leader faces corruption charges Oct 31, 2009
Frances Chirac to stand trial for corruption ... Srdjan Ilic / APFormer French President Jacques Chirac during a news conference on Dec., 2001, in Belgrade ... A magistrate has ordered Chirac to stand trial on charges of "embezzlement" and "breach of trust," an official said on condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing. (MSNBC -- International)
Official: Former French President Jacques Chirac Ordered To Stand Trial In Corruption Case Oct 30, 2009
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. (CBS News -- World)
Chirac faces trial over 'ghost jobs' Oct 30, 2009
Chirac faces trial over 'ghost jobs ... Chirac faces trial over 'ghost jobs ... Former French president Jacques Chirac will stand trial over allegations he gave 21 political allies false contracts as ghost workers in Paris city hall, his office says. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Turkey's PM keeps the West on guard Oct 27, 2009
Previously under Mr Chirac, we had excellent relations [with France] and he was very positive towards Turkey. But during the time of Mr Sarkozy, this is not the case. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
No jail request for French ex-PM Oct 21, 2009
Mr de Villepin, 55, is charged with plotting in 2004 to discredit Mr Sarkozy at a time when the two men were rivals to succeed then-President Jacques Chirac. He is accused of passing forged documents to a French magistrate that wrongly implicated Mr Sarkozy in a major corruption scandal. (BBC News -- Europe)
Coalition of Containment Oct 9, 2009
It may be difficult for American pundits who tend to subscribe to a world-view according to which the French and other foreign leaders either assume the role of anti-American bad guys, as former French President Jacques Chirac supposedly did in responding to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, or play the part of the pro-American good guys, the way President Sarkozy is allegedly doing now, to apply the following Realpolitik axiom: Decisions about war and peace are made in Paris or other world capitals... (The American Conservative)
U.S. now most admired nation on the planet Oct 7, 2009
Why is that any more important than middle America s contempt for Chirac or Schroeder. (I would also note that America was ranked #1 in this same poll in that time period, so you are disproving the claim that America s rank in the poll is driven by the President in power. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
* Tales of everyday racism confront an edgy France Oct 6, 2009
Since then, former president Jacques Chirac and his successor President Nicolas Sarkozy have promised tough action on discrimination, with the appointment in 2007 of three women ministers of African descent intended to send a powerful signal. The French anti-discrimination watchdog, the HALDE, paid tribute to Kessous article as an important and poignant testimony. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Et tu, Sumo? Former French president ditches 'depressed' dog after one too many bites Oct 3, 2009
Chirac gives away 'violent' dog ... Since Mr Chirac stepped down in 2007, Sumo has found life hard going ... Former French President Jacques Chirac has announced that he has given away his beloved dog after it attacked him for a third time. (BBC News -- Europe)
Violence breaks out in East Timor Oct 3, 2009
Chirac gives away 'violent' dog. Olympian carnival in Rio de Janeiro. (Yahoo News -- East Timor)
Foreign aid workers to pull out after women are kidnapped Oct 2, 2009
A 10-year investigation into alleged embezzlement of public funds by the former French president Jacques Chirac may end in a damp squib. More europe. (Yahoo News -- Rap and Hip-Hop)
Obama's embarrassing speeches Oct 2, 2009
Utter humiliation for America on European soil in front of a largely French and German audience who bitterly opposed the liberation ofIraq- not even Jacques Chirac could have dreamt it up. Key line. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Chirac charges could be dropped Oct 1, 2009
Chirac says he never used public funds for personal enrichment. French prosecutors say corruption charges against former French President Jacques Chirac should be dropped ... Two years ago Mr Chirac was put under preliminary investigation for misusing public funds while he was mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995. (BBC News -- Europe)
Former French PM gives evidence Oct 1, 2009
He also said ex-President Jacques Chirac played no part in any smear bid ... The case dates back five years, when both men were leading conservative contenders to succeed then-President Jacques Chirac ... He also testifyied that he "never had any presidential instructions from Jacques Chirac in this case". (BBC News -- Europe)
* World News Quick Take Oct 1, 2009
FRANCE Judge to review Chirac case The Paris prosecutors office has asked a court to drop a case against former president Jacques Chirac and others accused in an alleged corruption scandal dating back to his 1977-1995 tenure as Paris mayor, a judicial official said on Tuesday ... Simeoni must now decide whether to follow the advice X or whether Chirac and more than 40 others must stand trial ... A judge filed preliminary embezzlement charges against Chirac in 2007, after he left the... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Graham: We're Walking a Road to Armageddon Sep 30, 2009
The best course on Iran is the course outlined by former French president Chirac, who said "If Iran wants to develop nuclear power, then the world will have to learn to live with it, c'est la vie. But Iran must know that if it attempts to launch a strike against anyone, they will be instantly vaporized." In short, it is not our problem. Graham is just an idiot calling for more military hostility that he himself knows we cannot afford, so as to invent yet another reason for attacking the... (CBS News)
Slander trial has Europe besotted Sep 23, 2009
The ferocious enmity between the hand-picked but failed successor of former French president Jacques Chirac and the man who took the presidential job, Sarkozy, exploded into the public arena on the first day of a long-awaited trial that is transfixing Europe. Outside the court, Mr de Villepin declared himself innocent of charges that carry a penalty of several years' jail and include ''complicity in defamation and the use of forged documents. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Diana Affair Speculation Sets French Tabloids Ablaze Sep 23, 2009
Many pundits are alleging that the timing and questionable taste of Giscard's book is driven by the fact that fellow former President Jacques Chirac will publish a memoir of his own political career next month. Enduring hatred between the two men stretches back to the mid-1970s; each has waged a campaign of electoral war and political brawling against the other ever since. (Time.com)
Behind the scenes Sep 22, 2009
They include Mr Sarkozy, then interior minister under President Jacques Chirac, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, then a Socialist Party notable and now head of the IMF in Washington. Others from across the political spectrum included such people as Jean-Pierre Chev;nement, another left-winger, Alain Madelin, a liberal former finance minister, and Brice Hortefeux, the current interior minister. (The Economist)
Sex, scandal and spies as Sarkozy smear case begins Sep 22, 2009
Then there is the suggestion that the former president Jacques Chirac had a secret facelift in Canada, hints of blackmail, outright corruption and every type of sexual peccadillo. At the heart of it all lies a poisonous rivalry because the man accused of orchestrating the smear on Mr Sarkozy is Mr de Villepin, the handpicked successor of Mr Chirac. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Former French PM's trial to start Sep 21, 2009
Mr de Villepin and Mr Sarkozy were both ministers under President Jacques Chirac, but were intense rivals. Mr de Villepin was preferred by Mr Chirac, but it was Mr Sarkozy who won party support to succeed the president. (BBC News -- Europe)
France's trial of the decade pits ex-PM vs Sarkozy Sep 21, 2009
The 55-year-old Villepin is accused of conspiring to slander Sarkozy in 2004 when the pair were waging a fierce battle to win the right-wing party nomination and succeed president Jacques Chirac. The trial of the so-called "Clearstream affair" is shaping up as a showdown between Villepin and Sarkozy, whose mutual hatred is legendary in French political circles. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Sarkozy faces former PM Sep 21, 2009
The 55-year-old Villepin is accused of conspiring to slander Sarkozy in 2004 when the pair were waging a fierce battle to win the right-wing party nomination and succeed president Jacques Chirac. "Clear stream affair". (iAfrica.com)
Murky tale behind PM's trial Sep 21, 2009
Mr de Villepin is the darling, the "chou chou", of President Jacques Chirac and his chosen successor - he is the man who charmed the United Nations with his eloquent defence of France's refusal to join the war in Iraq in 2003 with the words: "We are the guardians of an ideal, the guardians of a conscience.". Mr Sarkozy, on the other hand is a cunning lawyer and businessman, a pro-American who has declared war on the "riff raff" and "scum" in France's downtrodden suburbs. (BBC News -- Europe)
Profile: Dominique de Villepin Sep 21, 2009
But France's former poet prime minister - a personal protege of former President Jacques Chirac - risks a further plunge in popularity after being placed under formal investigation in the so-called "Clearstream affair". The move, the first step towards filing criminal charges against him, is linked to a smear campaign waged against his political arch-rival - President Nicolas Sarkozy. (BBC News -- Europe)
Trial of an era kicks off Sep 20, 2009
A suave diplomat best remembered for leading the charge against the Iraq war at the United Nations, Villepin is accused of conspiring to slander Sarkozy at a time when the pair were waging a vicious battle to succeed Jacques Chirac as president. The case dates back to 2004 and centres on a list later proved to have been fabricated of account holders at the Clearstream financial clearing house who allegedly received kickbacks from the sale of French frigates to Taiwan. (iAfrica.com)
Banning snaps of smokers is a real drag Sep 20, 2009
A QUIZ question: what is the link between former French president Jacques Chirac, the composer Rachmaninov and the British journalist Lynn Barber. The answer is that attempts have been made to ban photographs of them on the grounds that they were shown smoking. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
French 'trial of century' unfolds Sep 14, 2009
As the case unfolds, the French will witness a spectacular case of settling old political scores, as the man accused of smearing the president, former prime minister Dominique de Villepin, was the hand-picked successor of former president Jacques Chirac, and the political nemesis of Mr Sarkozy. At the time of the original allegations, the two men were members of Mr Chirac's centre-right UMP party and were locked in a ferocious battle for party nomination in the 2007 presidential elections. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Country profile: France Sep 13, 2009
His predecessor, Jacques Chirac, had held office since 1995. French presidents are elected to five-year terms. (BBC News -- Europe)
Violence as dictators son wins Gabon vote Sep 4, 2009
At the elder Bongo's funeral in June, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his predecessor Jacques Chirac were jeered. The dictator had squandered money on vanity projects like a marbled presidential palace and a little-used railroad instead of building roads and other infrastructure. (MSNBC -- International)
Bongo's dynasty Aug 30, 2009
It is little wonder then that President Nicolas Sarkozy and former President Jacques Chirac took time out to bury Mr Bongo senior in June. Production line. (BBC News -- Africa)
Trichet Proves Prophet-Making No Panacea for Euro Economy Seeking Recovery Aug 21, 2009
At the summit, Chirac won a pledge that Duisenberg would step down before the end of a full term and give way to Trichet. Now that he was all but guaranteed the top job at the ECB, Trichet took Frances seat on the as the euro began to trade in January 1999. (Bloomberg)
Riviera Report Aug 19, 2009
Lunching with Gucci billionaire Francois and Marie-Yvonne Pinault, former French 00004000 president Jacques Chirac annoyed his wife, Bernadette, with his "very obvious ogling of the parade of blondes.". . (New York Post -- Gossip)
Syria Helps France in Dealing with Iran Aug 19, 2009
Sarkozy's trust, he adds, was especially appreciated by Damascus given the hatred former French President Jacques Chirac reserved for Assad whom he blamed for the 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister and Chirac intimate Rafiq Hariri. "There's some genuine gratitude at work right now," the diplomat says. (Time.com)
Agog over Bush's comments on Gog, Magog Aug 15, 2009
Incredibly, President George W. Bush told French President Jacques Chirac in early 2003 that Iraq must be invaded to thwart Gog and Magog, the Bible's satanic agents of the Apocalypse ... Incredibly, President George W. Bush told French President Jacques Chirac in early 2003 that Iraq must be invaded to thwart Gog and Magog, the Bible's satanic agents of the Apocalypse. (Juneau Empire)
Chirac to publish memoirs Aug 14, 2009
Article By: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:50 Former French president Jacques Chirac is set to release his memoirs, nearly three years after he left the Elysee Palace and settled into private life. Chirac told Nice-Matin newspaper that he decided while holidaying on the Riviera last year to write his autobiography and that it will hit bookstores in the fall ... "The premise for this work came from here, Saint-Tropez, last summer," Chirac was quoted as saying. (iAfrica.com)
LETTER: Extreme acts needed to save our democracy Aug 9, 2009
-Excerpt written from Martin Luther King Jr. letter, from Birmingham Jail, 1963 " The Question wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:17 AM:" "SAVE our DEMOCRACY?"Incredibly, President George W. Bush told French President Jacques Chirac in early 2003 that Iraq must be invaded to thwart Gog and Magog, the Bibles satanic agents of the Apocalypse. Chirac says that Bush appealed to their "common faith" (Christianity) and told him: "Gog and Magog are at work in the Middle East. This confrontation is willed by God,... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Health care 'fear-mongering' Aug 8, 2009
Plainsman wrote on Aug 7, 2009 5:36 PM:" Mary, what SHOULD sicken you is the recent revelations that Bush, in trying to recruit support for a war, told French President Jacques Chirac in early 2003 that Iraq must me invaded to thwart Gog and Magog, the Bible's agents of the Apocalypse. Chirac says he was boggled by Bush's call and "wondered how someone could be so superficial and fanatical in their beliefs. " ". (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Yacht Of Fun Aug 6, 2009
Former French President Jacques Chirac -- who's staying with his friend, Gucci Group owner Francois Pinault, for three weeks -- worked the crowds at the market in town. . (New York Post -- Gossip)
Sarko and Silvio Aug 4, 2009
Whatever his rough charm, Mr. Sarkozy did convince the majority of French voters that he would seriously attack the neglected problems of society and end the lethargy of the last years of the long Jacques Chirac presidency. 2009 Tribune Media Services. (The American Conservative)
African Unity: Myth Or Reality? Aug 1, 2009
No wonder that Nicolas Sarcozy, the French president and Jacques Chirac, the immediate former French president were at his funeral in Gabon. The French speaking countries tend to do everything from politics to trade with France whereas the English speaking countries do same with Britain. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
A day of reckoning for Bush's 'torture' lawyers Jul 30, 2009
In 1995 President Jacques Chirac formally and belatedly acknowledged "the dark hours that sullied our history and injured our traditions" admitting that the French Vichy regime government was complicit in World War II atrocities. The issue is how quickly it will come. (Christian Science Monitor)
Sarkozy hospitalized after collapse during jog Jul 28, 2009
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi and former French President Jacques Chirac were among those who sent Sarkozy wishes for a speedy recovery. French Health Ministry Roselyne Bachelot, speaking live on French 2 television, said Sarkozy had suffered a "small" vasovagal episode. (San Francisco Chronicle)
French president leaves hospital Jul 28, 2009
Mr Sarkozy's predecessor, Jacques Chirac, insisted his medical and health details were private. In 2005, he was hospitalised for a week after a mini-stroke which doctors said was not serious. (BBC News -- Europe)
Sarkozy to ease up after dizzy spell... Jul 28, 2009
Former President Jacques Chirac was hospitalized for a week at Val-de-Grace in 2005 for a vascular problem and officials never fully explained what was wrong. . (The Drudge Report)
Profile: Nicolas Sarkozy Jul 27, 2009
Before serving as interior minister and finance minister under President Jacques Chirac, Mr Sarkozy served as mayor of the affluent Paris suburb of Neuilly from 1983 to 2002. "He's hyperactive, he's ambitious, he's a heavy worker, a workaholic, he never rests," says Anita Hausser, who wrote a biography of Mr Sarkozy and is political editor at the French broadcaster LCI.. (BBC News -- Europe)
Sarkozy Collapses While Jogging Jul 27, 2009
Former President Jacques Chirac was hospitalized for a week at Val de France in 2005 for a vascular problem and officials never fully explained what was wrong. If a French president dies in office, the president of the Senate takes over temporarily while fresh presidential elections are organized. (CBS News -- World)
Sarkozy rushed to hospital after jogging collapse Jul 27, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " The 54-year-old conservative president's wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy rushed to his side on the back of a police motorbike after being told he had fainted while running in the woods, a witness said. Sarkozy was taken by helicopter to the Val de Grace military hospital in Paris, where he was "doing well and talking normally to medical staff," his chief of staff Claude Gueant told AFP. A presidential aide told AFP that Sarkozy had a problem related to his... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Sarkozy hospitalized after feeling ill while exercising Jul 27, 2009
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi and former French President Jacques Chirac were among those who sent Sarkozy wishes for a speedy recovery ... Former President Jacques Chirac was hospitalized for a week at Val de France in 2005 for a vascular problem and officials never fully explained what was wrong. (MSNBC -- International)
Dems: Military will be 'dragged into conflict if climate change goes unchecked'... Jul 24, 2009
Former French President Chirac: on the UNs Kyoto Protocol: For the first time, humanity is instituting a genuine instrument of global governance. From the very earliest age, we should make environmental awareness a major theme of education and a major theme of political debate, until respect for the environment comes to be as fundamental as safeguarding our rights and freedoms. (The Drudge Report)
Klayman Sues Iran for $10 Trillion Jul 18, 2009
In the past, he's filed unsuccessful suits against Cuba, Iraq, the Taliban and former French President Jacques Chirac. . (Law.com)
Consul-writer illustrates diplomatic tradition Jul 18, 2009
"I do consider writing to be one of my jobs," said Mourier, who became consul general in San Francisco in 2007 after serving as a senior adviser on education and culture to then-President Jacques Chirac. "It's a very important part of myself. I have to write. It's not a passion, but an addiction.". (San Francisco Chronicle)
Click to read:Inside Holland's "Half Baked" Pot Policy Jul 15, 2009
In the 1990s, French president Jacques Chirac suggested the country's position was weakening Europe-wide efforts to combat drug use ... Not "there'--but "they're". LOL by Dgunner July 14, 2009 10:53 AM EDT What you are saying is every one who smokes or smoked pot has become or will become meth head. Your ignorance is exceeded by your lack of iniative to improve your IQ. by toldyouso29 July 14, 2009 11:06 AM EDT Everyone who smokes dope will NOT become a meth head or heroin addict--but most of us... (CBS News)
'Barbarians' await fate Jul 11, 2009
Then president Jacques Chirac spoke to Halimi's parents and personally assured them that full light would be shed and those responsible brought to justice. AFP Digg NEWS FEATURES. (iAfrica.com)
How do we define our national cuisine? Jul 8, 2009
While making a toast during his first state dinner, President Clinton told French President Jacques Chirac: "We have a new American chef who is cooking our American cuisine.". "Great, simple, intrinsic flavors really are the core of American cuisine," said Scheib, who attributes its roots to the 1970s, when food enthusiasts such as Alice Waters -- the California restaurateur known for promoting fresh, local and organic ingredients -- refocused on simplicity in cooking and ingredients over... (Sioux City Journal)
Far Right, Facing Barrage, Fails In Mayoral Bid Jul 6, 2009
The barrage of support for Duquenne recalled the successful bid to block National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen in the 2002 presidential race against President Jacques Chirac. However, the National Front was not about to go down easily. (CBS News -- World)
France urged to reveal 2002 Pakistan attack files Jul 5, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " The Paris prosecutor's office has also said there were "no objective elements" linking the attack to the submarine deal. Classified documents can only be disclosed if the defence minister acts following guidance from a special French government commission designed to protect the national interest. Morin told French radio last month that he was unaware of the contents of any such documents, adding that he was "only committed to declassifying what the... (Channelnewsasia.com)
America's melting pot makes novel cuisine Jul 5, 2009
While making a toast during his first state dinner, Mr. Clinton told French President Jacques Chirac: "We have a new American chef who is cooking our American cuisine.". "Great, simple, intrinsic flavors really are the core of American cuisine," said Mr. Scheib, who attributes its roots to the 1970s, when food enthusiasts such as Alice Waters -- the California restaurateur known for promoting fresh, local and organic ingredients -- refocused on simplicity in cooking and ingredients over... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Keep The State Out Of The Bedroom Jun 27, 2009
Rumors of Jacques Chirac s extra-marital affairs were common during the 12 years he was president of France. Similarly, and his ex-wife Cecilia were both reportedly unfaithful to one another, but their marital issues certainly didn t prevent the French from electing Sarkozy in 2007. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Did Pakistani Spies Kill 11 French Naval Engineers? Jun 26, 2009
In 1994, Paris signed a $1 billion deal to sell and assemble Agosta submarines to Pakistan; a year later, the cabinet of newly elected President Jacques Chirac decided to start holding back payment of some $33 million in kickbacks that had been promised to Pakistani officials who had helped secure the contract. French security officials tell TIME that last year French investigators obtained documents and testimonies by people involved with the transaction showing that after those funds were... (Time.com)
How McDonald's Conquered France Jun 26, 2009
The patriotic overtones were catnip for politicians: President Jacques Chirac had kicked off the Salon the previous Sunday, and the floor traffic throughout the week included a steady flow of ministers and members of parliament. Related in SlateDaniel Gross explained why America's and are so popular beyond its borders. (Slate)
* Sarkozy adds a Mitterrand to Cabinet Jun 25, 2009
Hard to pin down politically, he supported his uncle and was part of former president Mitterrands inner circle, but he didnt join his Socialist party and backed the center-right Jacques Chirac for president in 1995. Mitterrands appointment was not supposed to be announced until the reshuffle yesterday morning, but after leaks from his leaving party in Rome, he confirmed the story himself, telling TV reporters that the culture ministry was an exciting task and an honor. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Sarkozy makes Mitterrand minister Jun 25, 2009
The nephew of the late Socialist president has never been a leftist, and was a strong supporter of Mr Sarkozy's predecessor Jacques Chirac. Brice Hortefeux becomes the new interior minister. (BBC News -- Europe)
