Health questions over Chirac trial

RUMOURS over the state of health of former president Jacques Chirac have put a question mark over his ability to stand trial in the “fake jobs” affair.

Chirac, 78, is accused of having created fake jobs at the mairie when he was mayor of Paris in the 1990s, to funnel money to friends and close aides in his RPR party. The charges were made after he stepped down as president in 2007, thus losing his immunity. It is the first time a former president has been put under judicial investigation.

Le Journal du Dimanche recent quoted “an old friend” of Chirac’s as having described him as “tired, very aged and in declining health… a shadow of his former self”. The same source allegedly told the paper that Chirac’s wife, Bernadette, told him Mr Chirac may be starting to suffer from Alzheimer’s. However on Europe 1 radio Mrs Chirac denied the claim, calling it a “lie”. “The doctors have said he does not have Alzheimer’s,” she said.

According to Le Figaro, sources close to the ex-president say some of his friends would like him to say he cannot go through with the trial, scheduled for March 7 to April 8, because of his health. Others, however, are said to be encouraging him to clear his name.

His lawyer, Jean Veil, said Mr Chirac has said he will attend his trial.

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Photo: Eric Pouhier