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Sarkozy denies shielding Chirac Sarkozy denies shielding Chirac
(about 9 hours later)
The frontrunner in the French presidential race, Nicolas Sarkozy, has denied a deal to protect President Jacques Chirac from a corruption probe.The frontrunner in the French presidential race, Nicolas Sarkozy, has denied a deal to protect President Jacques Chirac from a corruption probe.
Mr Sarkozy said the allegation in a weekly satirical magazine was "grotesque, hurtful and untrue".Mr Sarkozy said the allegation in a weekly satirical magazine was "grotesque, hurtful and untrue".
Le Canard Enchaine wrote that Mr Sarkozy had promised an "amnesty" for Mr Chirac, if elected president.Le Canard Enchaine wrote that Mr Sarkozy had promised an "amnesty" for Mr Chirac, if elected president.
Mr Chirac, who has endorsed Mr Sarkozy, also denied the magazine's allegations as "lies".Mr Chirac, who has endorsed Mr Sarkozy, also denied the magazine's allegations as "lies".
Mr Chirac has long been dogged by allegations of illegal party funding, dating back to his time as mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995. name="goback"> Mr Chirac has long been dogged by allegations of illegal party funding, dating back to his time as mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995.
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Immunity from criminal prosecution would disappear once he stepped down as head of state and justice officials have already said they would like to question him.Immunity from criminal prosecution would disappear once he stepped down as head of state and justice officials have already said they would like to question him.
Mr Chirac might face a corruption inquiry after his term endsSome prominent former associates of Mr Chirac have been prosecuted in connection with a party funding scam.Mr Chirac might face a corruption inquiry after his term endsSome prominent former associates of Mr Chirac have been prosecuted in connection with a party funding scam.
Relations between Mr Chirac and Mr Sarkozy have been strained since Mr Chirac forced him to resign his cabinet job in 2004, after Mr Sarkozy had become leader of the centre-right UMP, successor to the Gaullist RPR party founded by Mr Chirac.Relations between Mr Chirac and Mr Sarkozy have been strained since Mr Chirac forced him to resign his cabinet job in 2004, after Mr Sarkozy had become leader of the centre-right UMP, successor to the Gaullist RPR party founded by Mr Chirac.
Mr Chirac recalled Mr Sarkozy to the government a year later.Mr Chirac recalled Mr Sarkozy to the government a year later.
Mr Sarkozy said he denied in the firmest and fullest terms any suggestion he would attempt to shield Mr Chirac from prosecution in exchange for his support during the election campaign.Mr Sarkozy said he denied in the firmest and fullest terms any suggestion he would attempt to shield Mr Chirac from prosecution in exchange for his support during the election campaign.
The Elysee Palace - seat of the presidency - also denied the allegations, calling them "totally baseless and untrue".The Elysee Palace - seat of the presidency - also denied the allegations, calling them "totally baseless and untrue".
Opinion polls have consistently showed Mr Sarkozy as favourite to win the 22 April first round, as well as the runoff on 6 May. His closest rival is the Socialist candidate, Segolene Royal. name="map"> Opinion polls have consistently showed Mr Sarkozy as favourite to win the 22 April first round, as well as the runoff on 6 May. His closest rival is the Socialist candidate, Segolene Royal.
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