In a nationwide announcement, 74 year old French President Jacques Chirac said that he will not seek re-election next month. His 45 year old career was a significant one, consisting of both domestic and international achievements, with his denunciation and skepticism of the US policy in Iraq found to be his greatest international political stance.
Mr Chirac has served as President since 1995, but is now willing to step down so that a chance can be extended for the next generation and fresher talent can get a place in national politics. He was quoted as saying
I will not seek your backing for a new mandate
Although he asserted that he would continue to fight for his life long principles of justice, peace and the development of France as a great country. Being a great jingoist, he emotionally put forward his remarks:
Never for one minute have I ceased to act in the service of this magnificent France. This France, which I love as much as I love you
Even though on the international front he put forth a strong foot, on the domestic front he introduced few meaningful reforms leaving behind a difficult legacy for his successor, with the French economy underachieving and social tensions increasing in deprived suburbs. Furthermore, although he was responsible for ending the tradition of compulsory military service, he was criticised to be hugely out of touch with domestic issues that needed immediate attention.
It is probably because of this reason that all the three leading contenders to succeed Mr Chirac - Nicolas Sarkozy of the ruling UMP party, Socialist Segolene Royal and centrist Francois Bayrou have pledged to break with the politics of the past 25 years.
Via: The Age
