A risky choice to lead Chirac’s fightback

Author (Person)
Series Title
Series Details 1.6.05
Publication Date 01/06/2005
Content Type

Two days after the rejection of the Constitutional Treaty for Europe in a popular referendum in France, President Jacques Chirac appointed Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin as new French Prime Minister, 31 May 2005. His predecessor Jean-Pierre Raffarin, had tendered his resignation following the vote. Author suggests that the choice of de Villepin was a risky one, considering his cosmopolitan rather than popular background and the challenge for the government to regain voters' credit.

Related Links
BBC News: De Villepin appointed French PM, 31.5.05 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4595423.stm

Countries / Regions