Sleazemaster Jacques Chirac, secure behind his recently-confirmed presidental immunity, merrily stole a theme for his presidential campaign from the left. At last Wednesday's council of ministers jaws dropped around the table as he launched into a two-minute speech solemnly defending the nations of the South. Speaking only 10 days before the WTO summit, he said: "If we remain as privileged nations, we will only encounter stronger opposition. We have to maintain development aid and all other means for insuring a financial flow toward the countries of the South, failing which we should not be surprised if they revolt".
My guess is that he's squeezing the socialists who have already set their bargaining position for Doha, which Chirac will thrust in their faces when they come back. Hakki Alacakaptan
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