BBC Learning English
Words in the News
4
th
July 2011
Strauss-Kahn presidential comeback 'unlikely'
Words in the News
© British Broadcasting Corporation 2011
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bbclearningenglish.com
Dominique Strauss-Kahn is unlikely to run for the French presidency despite surveys that
suggest he would still prove popular. On Friday the former IMF chief was freed from his
strict bail conditions on the request of the prosecution who now doubt the reliability of the
accuser and their main witness. This report is from Christian Fraser:
It is extraordinary to think he is even being mooted as a potential candidate. But such was the
outpouring of relief in Socialist circles on Friday that speculation was rife over the weekend
that Mr Strauss-Kahn may return as a surprise candidate for next year's presidential election.
The snap polls that followed Friday's dramatic events in court revealed 49% of French voters
favour his return, against 45% opposed. And on the left 60% of people suggest they would
support him.
Today while not ruling out a political future for the former IMF chief, the party spokesman,
Benoit Hamon, said the idea that Mr Strauss-Kahn could now run for the presidency was "the
weakest" of all possible scenarios.
But he also made it clear that the leadership would not necessarily block a late entry to the
party ballot.
The list for the Socialist candidates closes on the 13th and in theory Mr Strauss-Kahn can put
his name forward, even if he is not released by the deadline.
Mr Strauss-Kahn would certainly be a gamble, but the current crop of front runners do not
unite or inspire the party as Mr Strauss-Kahn did before his arrest. The direction of the polls
in the next few weeks, and the events in court, could yet prove crucial.
Christian Fraser, BBC News, Paris
