Chirac to be charged in cronies case

Jacques Chirac, France's most popular politician, faces the prospect of legal humiliation by the end of the European summer, but his new-found place in public affections is unlikely to be damaged.

The retired former President has soared to stratospheric levels of popularity in recent months - well beyond any support he enjoyed in his four decades in French politics. However, Chirac's doubtful past is also catching up with him.

One of two criminal investigations into Chirac's alleged embezzlement of public funds to finance his rise to the presidency has been completed, according to judicial sources.

Defence lawyers have until early July to ask for further inquiries. Once that period expires, the investigating magistrate, Xaviere Simeoni, is expected to recommend that Chirac, 76, be sent for trial.

The case involves the allegedly illegal hiring of political allies and friends as "special staff" of the Paris Town Hall when Chirac was mayor of the capital.

In an article in Le Monde in November 2007, on the day he was formally accused of "embezzling public funds", Chirac said: "Never were the funds of the city of Paris used to fulfil ambitions, other than those of Parisians. Never was there any personal enrichment."

On the second point, there is no dispute. He is accused, however, of financing his national political career at the expense of the taxpayers of Paris.

During his dozen years as President, from 1995 to 2007, Chirac had immunity from prosecution. Since he left office, two parallel criminal investigations have been grinding slowly forward.

What has been much less predictable is the former President's rise to the top of the political popularity charts. In the latest poll for Ifop/Paris-Match, Chirac had a 74 per cent "positive" rating, compared with 41 per cent for his former protege, now estranged, Nicolas Sarkozy.

The recession, and the often unpresidential behaviour of President Sarkozy, have created an unexpected nostalgia for the once-maligned Chirac era.

- INDEPENDENT