DSK scuppers presidential hopeful by revealing secret pact
EMBATTLED former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn faced accusations yesterday of scuppering a French Socialist front-runner's chances of winning her party's presidential primaries, after he confirmed they had a pact she would drop out if he ran.
Before his arrest in May on charges of trying to rape a New York hotel maid, Mr Strauss-Kahn was clear favourite to lead the Socialists to a likely victory against Nicolas Sarkozy, should the incumbent president run for re-election next April.
Martine Aubry had to face down claims that she lacked presidential ambition, as she launched her bid only after Mr Strauss-Kahn crashed out of the race following his arrest.
In his first televised interview since returning to France, Mr Strauss-Kahn confirmed that he had intended to contest the presidency and the pact had indeed existed.
"He should not have mentioned the word 'pact'," said political analyst Stephane Rozes.
She is fighting to catch up with favourite Francois Hollande, whose supporters seized on the chance to stick the knife in over the remarks yesterday.
"If Martine Aubry is a candidate, it's because Strauss-Kahn can't be one," said Andre Vallini, a Socialist MP.
"Francois Hollande, who has never had any pact nor agreement, is not a default candidate." (© Daily Telegraph, London)
- Henry Samuel in Paris
Irish Independent
