PARIS: Former French President Jacques Chirac vigorously defended himself against corruption charges Thursday, saying he was proud of his record as Paris mayor and would clear his name at trial. During a round of interviews to promote his newly released memoirs, two years after leaving the Elysee palace, Chirac denied charges that he gave fake jobs to his political allies when he was mayor of Paris.
All of his supporters on the city payroll “naturally, worked for the Parisians,” Chirac told Europe 1 radio.
“I am accused of recruiting people who did not have any connection with municipal affairs,” he said. “I formally contest this allegation. All of these jobs were needed for the city and for the mayor.”
An investigating judge last week ordered the 76-year-old statesman to stand trial on charges of misuse of public funds and breach of trust related to nine jobs attributed between 1992 and 1995.
Chirac, who was Paris mayor from 1977 to 1995, recalled that he had been Paris’ first mayor, the city having previously been run by a “prefect” appointed by central government.
This outgoing official had taken all of his staff with him when he left and Chirac said he was not “going to fulfil alone the duties that were previously those of a full department.”
President for 12 years, prime minister for six and mayor of Paris for 18, Chirac is accused of using the city payroll to provide salaries for aides who were in reality working for his right-wing political party.
His trial is expected to take place next year. The former president faces up to 10 years in jail and a 150,000-euro ($222,500) fine if convicted.
“I am proud of my record of service to Parisians,” he said.
“I will explain myself in court with calmness and determination because I have nothing to be ashamed of.”
News about Chirac’s pending trial came as the former president was returning to the public eye with the release of his memoirs “Every Step Should Be A Goal.”
The book traces Chirac’s childhood in Correze, rural France, and his political career up to his election as president.
Despite his legal problems, Chirac has made a comeback in public opinion with many French voters feeling nostalgia for his avuncular style, one that stands in sharp contrast with President Nicolas Sarkozy’s whirlwind approach.
While Chirac’s approval rating is high, polls show seven in 10 French people believe he should nevertheless stand trial for corruption. – AFP
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