Posted on 03/21/2007 5:42:55 PM PDT by Cincinna
PARIS: French President Jacques Chirac last night threw his weight behind his party's presidential candidate, Nicolas Sarkozy, overcoming hostility between the two in a move that could bolster the Right's campaign.
Mr Chirac also said Mr Sarkozy would leave his post as Interior Minister on March 26, an announcement that had been expected after the candidate said he would leave the centre-right government ahead of the first round of the election on April 22.
The President said he would give his "vote and support" to the 52-year-old Mr Sarkozy, as the candidate of the governing Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), which he founded in 2002.
(Excerpt) Read more at theaustralian.news.com.au ...
His support is further example of Sarko's ability to keep all his potential rivals in line. As Royal and Bayrou's camp have major figures jumping ship, Sarko has all his ducks in a row. They are all of one mind. This will be of tremendous help when it comes to putting together a government, appointing the Prime Ministers, and other Ministers.
A tip of the hat to SunkenCiv.
Yes, good news, and all the better that Chirac waited until now. If that jerk Royale managed to get in, that would pretty well be the end of France. I don't know if Sarkozy can pull it out, but at least there might be a small chance of it.
The official announcement was this evening.
If you want on or off the list, go to the link for instructions. Otherwise, it won't be guaranteed that you will be put on or taken off (it still won't be 100% guaranteed, anyway, but will be much more highly probable).
It is well-timed, although it doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement either. "Well, I formed the party, and its members chose Sarkozy as its candidate, so I guess they should be listened to." What a POS Chirac is.
No doubt Chirac is looking for help in high places to keep him out of jail once he leaves office.
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