(3 of 3)
Chirac: No. The criteria are what they are, but they simply express the need to act like responsible and serious people. So as far as I am concerned, I am not inclined to change anything at all. I do regret that France, in 1993, did not do what Germany and Britain did, that is, begin an effort to adjust and especially to reduce its deficits. This obliges us to do in 21/2 years what the others will have done in five. That's obviously more difficult.
TIME: What can you do about France's persistent unemployment problem?
Chirac: Because there are many variables we can work on, I am sure that we will find the necessary policies to return to a more or less normal situation. There is the length of the workday or workweek, for example, and new kinds of jobs. Half the professions that will exist 10 years from now are not even known today.
TIME: How do you explain your low standing in the polls these days?
Chirac: You know, I have never paid any attention to the polls for two reasons. The first is that I think they are generally wrong; the second is that I think a politician should be a leader and not a follower. That means he should base his decisions on the commitments he has made, on his idea of the future, on his vision of the country, and not on public opinion. I have seven years before me and a great determination, so of course it is not the polls that will give me doubts.
TIME: Can your recent low ratings somehow be reversed?
Chirac: [Smiles.] I am absolutely sure of it. I'm an optimist by nature.