France's leadership hobbled by 'Clearstream' affair

Editorial writer Jacques Hillion believes the Clearstream affair is a "bad farce" that is the last thing France needed. "From rumours to denials, revelations to manipulations, the pinnacle of the State has taken a hit and been seriously discredited, such is the topsy-turvy state of affairs that beggar belief. The scandal is gaining momentum, overtaking the two likely contenders [Nicolas Sarkozy and Dominique de Villepin] in the 2007 presidential race. A race in which below-the-belt blows are likely to be all but unavoidable yet which underscores the pitiful state of the French executive and a 'Chiracism' on its last leg. Jacques Chirac is no longer merely a referee between two would-be successors from his own camp. Obliged to deny holding a bank account in Japan, the president, shielded by immunity and still facing several scandals, finds himself in the middle of this imbroglio at a time when he should be reassuring the public about a regime that is going to the dogs." 

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