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Chirac says `au revoir' to politics

French newspapers could only muster polite praise for President Jacques Chirac yesterday, one day after France's veteran leader announced he would not seek another term as president, while at home and abroad there was also candid criticism of his record in office.

The French press tried to strike a balanced tone, praising Chirac for his fierce defense of France on the international stage and his opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

And while they skipped over the corruption allegations that still hang over Chirac from his earlier period as Paris mayor, French newspapers did not hesitate to criticize his record from 12 years as president.

"Jacques Chirac didn't succeed in waking up France or the French on the fundamental question of the economy," wrote the business daily La Tribune. "Jacques Chirac will leave a France in trouble."

Chirac also came in for rebuke for calling a referendum on the European Constitution, then failing to actively campaign for the document which French voters rejected in 2005.

"Chirac could have left Europe with its head high if he hadn't messed up the ratification of the Constitution in France with his overconfidence and air of indifference," concluded the La Croix.

British newspapers were more stinging in their criticism.

"Convention demands that we say nice things about people when they retire but, in the case of Jacques Chirac, it is not easy," Britain's Daily Telegraph said.

He was widely criticized for flip-flopping on big issues, with the Guardian branding him a "weathervane" and the Financial Times calling him "an eternal opportunist."

However the Financial Times noted that even his critics praised him for getting some things right.

"He is widely praised for admitting France's responsibility for deporting Jews during the German occupation in the Second World War and in 2003 led `Old Europe' in opposing the US-led invasion of Iraq and warned of the dangers of American unilateralism," the business daily wrote.

The Gaullist promoted the image of a strong, proud France which believes it still has a unique world role and voice. But French influence has continued to wane.

"My dear compatriots, at the close of the mandate you entrusted to me, the time has come for me to serve you in a new way," Chirac said, promising to continue to work for what he called his "life's combats" -- justice, progress, peace and the grandeur of France.

Chirac urged the French to reject extremism, racism and anti-Semitism. He also asked France to support a strong EU, to work to improve life in the developing world and to help the environment.

He also urged France to believe in itself.

"We have so many trump cards," he said. "We must not fear the world's evolution. This new world, we must embrace it. We must continue to put our mark on it."
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