President Jacques Chirac is expected to announce Sunday that he will retire after more than 40 years in French politics. The 74 year-old leader is to reveal in an address to the nation on radio and television whether he will stand in the presidential election to be held in six weeks, AFP reported. The content of his declaration has been kept secret by the Elysee palace, but the near universal consensus is that he will explain why he has decided not to seek an unprecedented third mandate. With official nominations for the race due by next Friday, Chirac has kept open till the last moment the option of running again despite polls that show he would have no chance of winning. Chirac's announcement is expected to unleash a flood of tributes from politicians and the public. While misgivings remain about his legacy after 12 years as president, he commands widespread affection, and even political opponents praise his defense of French interests in the world. Chirac also led international opposition to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Chirac began his political career in 1962 as an advisor to prime minister Georges Pompidou, and had his first cabinet post in 1967. He served twice as prime minister, 18 years as mayor of Paris and two consecutive mandates as president.
