And… Scene. Chirac exits stage right.
On Sunday, French president, Jacques Chirac announced that he would not be seeking reelection, ending a dozen year, two-term presidency. In an emotional address over national television, Mr. Chirac saluted the nation with a deeply personal statement, politics-free. Tracing back to his achievements while in office, Mr. Chirac expressed his love for France and its people. He declares, “Not for one instant have you ceased to inhabit my heart and my mind.” More retrospectively, he notes his regret for his partisanship causing an inadequate response to the difficulties of the French people. But really, is that all Mr. Chirac should be regretting?
In his time as president, the Chirac administration has been plagued with scandal, dissatisfaction, and embarrassment. In 2005, his popularity amongst the French people was lowest of all presidents since 1979, when citizens began being surveyed. Not a limiting exception, his then-newly appointed prime minister, Dominique de Villepin was the most unpopular new French prime minister for more than the last 20 years. Seemingly, most everyone around Mr. Chirac incited negative public sentiments. His senior allies, including four former government ministers, were of the 50 people on trial for one of the worse public scandals of French history, involving the rigging of public contracts. He faced embarrassment when the European Union constitution was rejected by referendum, and when he vowed in 1995 to end “social fracture” but instead have Arab and African Muslims suffer from riots and violence. Perhaps, Mr. Chirac’s reaction to these blemishes on his record is the reason he has been coined so popularly as a super hero named Super Menteur (Super Liar).
All criticism aside, Mr. Chirac’s accomplishments stand for themselves. Economically, published numbers laud his achievement of France’s nine percent unemployment and two percent annual growth. Also, Mr. Chirac led the charge against the American-led war in Iraq, gaining popularity after he rejected the United Nations Security Council resolution to authorize the war in Iraq. Not to mention, he founded the successful Union for a Popular Movement party, which is housing one of the frontrunners of the upcoming French elections, Nicolas Sarkozy.
Mr. Chirac has given no indication of the governance of Union for a Popular Movement party nor explicit support for Candidate Sarkozy. This leaves the elections in April an unpredictable race. Other contenders are Segolene Royal from the Socialist Party and Francois Beyrou from the centrists, and Jean-Marie Le Pen from the extreme right.
On May 7th, 2007, Mr. Chirac’s twelve year long role as the President of France will end. His performance was memorable, and definitely remarkable. However, like all theatrical productions, there are critics and super fans. However, most are just eagerly awaiting the next big name to appear on the Elysée Palace marquee.
Chirac: “Long live the republic! Long live France!” Exit stage right.