In almost 30 years of public life, Alain Juppé earned a reputation as one of France's most imperious and cerebral politicians — and as Jacques Chirac's loyal confidant and anointed successor as President of the Republic. After he tried to force through a raft of unpopular reforms as Prime Minister, Juppé's disdain for public opinion contributed to his humiliating ouster in 1997. So it came as something of a shock to see a pale, haggard Juppé claiming to be a victim on national television last week. "I didn't deserve this. I think it's too much," complained Juppé, 58, convicted on corruption...