Chirac's memoirs show restraint on Sarkozy

PARIS — Former French President Jacques Chirac released his memoir Tuesday, calling his successor Nicolas Sarkozy "nervous, in a hurry, ready for action" — comments notable for their restraint given the two men's tense relations.

Commentators eagerly pored over the memoir for insights into Chirac's legal problems in a corruption case predating his presidency. But the 500-page book does notaddress them, prompting Le Parisien newspaper to write that some readers "will no doubt accuse him of having a selective memory."

The memoir — "Chaque pas doit etre un but" (Every Step Must Be a Goal) — discusses Chirac's life and political career up to his 1995 election as president. A future volume will cover his 12 years in France's highest office.

Chirac touched on an episode leading up to the 1995 election, in which some politicians close to him, including Sarkozy, dropped him in favor of another candidate, Edouard Balladur.

Sarkozy had been a protege of Chirac's within their conservative political movement but their relations soured with that incident.

While Chirac's memoirs had tough words for other politicians, including former President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Chirac's description of Sarkozy was careful and understated.

Sarkozy's betrayal before the election did "not leave me indifferent," he wrote.

The 76-year-old Chirac added that Sarkozy has the ability "to make himself indispensable, to always be there, nervous, in a hurry, ready for action and distinguishing himself with an undeniable gift for communication."

Since Sarkozy won the presidency in 2007, Chirac has retired from politics and heads a foundation that helps the developing world.

Leaving office, he also lost his presidential immunity. Last week, an investigating judge ordered Chirac to stand trial on embezzlement and breach of trust charges dating back to his long tenure as Paris mayor from 1977-95.

The judge has been probing whether people in Chirac's circle were given sham jobs as advisers and paid by Paris City Hall, even though they weren't working for it. A prosecutor can still appeal the decision to send Chirac to trial.

If Chirac does stand trial, it would mark the first time a former leader of modern France hasbeen forced to defend himself in court.

___

Nov 03, 2009 - 12:30 p.m. EDT

Copyright 2009, The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.