Jacques Goes on the Attack

If attack is the best defence, then President Jacques Chirac must be feeling a bit defensive these days. With the first round of France's presidential election set for April 21, the incumbent went into offensive mode last week by announcing his intention to seek re-election. And he did it in true Chirac style: big on gesture, short on ideas. "I am driven by passion," he said on national television. "I love France, and I love the French. I want to be the candidate of union and renewal."

Chirac has lots to feel defensive about. His seven-year term has...

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