PRESIDENT CHIRAC HOSPITALIZED WITH "LIMITED

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 PARIS 006031

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/07/2015
TAGS: PGOV ELAB EU FR PINR SOCI ECON
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT CHIRAC HOSPITALIZED WITH "LIMITED
CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE"


Classified By: Acting Minister Counselor for Political Affairs Bruce Tu

rner for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: President Jacques Chirac was admitted to a
military hospital in Paris on the evening on Friday,
September 2 for what doctors are calling a "minor vascular
accident" that slightly impaired vision in one of his eyes.
According to media reports, Prime Minister Dominique de
Villepin -- and the French public -- were not informed of the
president's hospitalization until 12 hours later, the morning
of the following day. All official statements insist that
President Chirac's illness is not serious -- it is his first
hospitalization in over 20 years -- and that he will soon be
back on the job. However, the incident has pointedly called
the public's attention to Chirac's increasing vulnerablity.
Political defeat (the May 29 referendum),advancing age (he
is 72),and now illness are markedly diminishing Chirac's
political clout. PM de Villepin, who, in accordance with
constitutional provisions, will be chairing this week's
cabinet meeting in place of the President, will be making the
most of Chirac's temporary sidelining to further show the
public that he (Villepin) is ready for the role of president.
End Summary.

Offically a Minor Vascular Accident
--------------


2. (U) According to official statements, a problem with a
small vein behind an eye prompted President Chirac's
hospitalization on the evening of Friday, September 2. At
Val-de-Grace military hospital in Paris, doctors subsequently
determined that the "vascular accident" was "minor," but
nonethless decided to keep President Chirac under observation
for at least a week, in order to "conduct a thorough check
up." France's media -- mindful of the secretiveness that in
France has always surrounded the matter of the president's
health -- have made much of that incongruity, and have
speculated that the "minor" vascular incident may well be
symptomatic of a more serious health problem. All official
statements through COB September 6 have firmly insisted on
the transitory nature of the president's illness, and firmly
predicted that he would be back on the job within days.

Close Hold on News of Hospitalization
--------------


3. Early in the day of Chirac's hospitalization (Friday,
September 2),his office cancelled a number of events without
giving any hint that health problems were the reason for the
cancellation. The secrecy that surrounded Chirac's admission
to the hospital that evening -- reportedly known only to his
wife, Bernadette, his daughter (and communications director)
Claude and a handful of presidential and military aides --
fueled the French media's speculation that those in the
President's innermost circle, uncertain of how serious the
president's condition might be, put political considerations
before the public's right to know about the president's
ability to perform the full range of his duties. Prime
Minister de Villepin -- and the public at large -- were
informed only the following day, well over twelve hours
later, that the president was in the hospital, and would
remain there for a week. PM de Villepin visited Chirac in
the hospital on the evening of Saturday, September 4,
declaring afterwards that he had found Chirac in fine form
and eager to return to his presidential duties.

Long History of Excellent Health
--------------


4. (C) President Chirac, at least until now, has enjoyed
legendary good health despite being a chain smoker. He has
always been known for his iron constitution. He was
hospitalized briefly for injuries suffered in a car accident
over twenty years ago. He has not been diagnosed with nor
hospitalized for any health impairing condition or illness.

Comment
--------------


5. (C) All official statements insist that the "limited
cerebral hemorrhage" that has befallen president Chirac is
temporary in its effects, and that the president will soon be
back at work. The press and public are skeptical, however,
because they remember the secrecy, indeed, deception, that
have characterized the handling of prior presidential
illnesses (Pompidou and Mitterand) in the relatively recent
past.


6. (C) While it is far too early to conclude that this
incident is a sign of failing health, it nevertheless futher
undermines any hopes Chirac may still harbor of running for a
third term in 2007. Chirac has kept open the option of
pursuing a third term to avoid &lame duck8 status for as
long as possible. But with his political credibility already
damaged as a result of French rejection of the EU
constitutional treaty, voters will be tempted more than ever
to conclude that Chirac has become too old for the job.


7. (C) Chirac's illness also sharpens the rivalry between
those on the center-right vying to succeed him. PM Dominique
de Villepin and Interior Minister (and President of the
ruling Center for a popular Movement (UMP) party) Nicholas
Sarkozy both continue to insist publicly that they make an
effective working tandem and that they are putting the
interests of France's economic recovery above their personal
ambitions -- even as they continue marking their differences.
These differences were resoundingly evident in Villepin's
and Sarkozy's speeches at an important party gathering over
the weekend. Villepin stressed fast-paced reform, but in the
context of continuing the "French social model," whereas
Sarkozy responded by calling for a "complete break" with the
"politics of the past 30 years." Sarkozy also stressed that
nothing and no one would derail him from carrying through on
his intention to run in 2007.


8. (C) One immediate effect of Chirac's unforeseen illness
is that it puts Villepin in the president's chair at cabinet
meetings, beginning with the one scheduled for September 8.
Villepin is sure to make the most of the opportunity to
further enhance his image with the public as a man who's
ready to take on the top job. Such replacement of the
president by the prime minister is permitted under article 21
of the constitution "on an exceptional basis," "in the event
of an express delegation of power," and "for a limited
period."


9. (SBU) Chirac's illness has also prompted a review of
constitutional provisions in the event of presidential
incapacitation or death in office. Article 7 of the Fifth
Republic's constitution provides for the continuity of
presidential power. In the case of incapacitation, the
powers of the presidency devolve temporarily to the President
of the Senate. The Constitutional Council, meeting with a
majority of its members present, can confirm permanent
incapacitation. If the Council confirms permanent
incapacitation or the president dies in office, then Article
7 requires that a new election must take place in not less
than 20, and not more than 35 days. End Comment.
STAPLETON