17:37 Chirac will not run for third term
The French President Jaques Chirac will not run for the unprecedented third term in the upcoming presidential elections to take place in April-May.
Chirac announced his decision in an address to the nation on Sunday.
But he promised to voice his support to one of the candidates and said clearly what he expected.
Chirac called on the French "to never accept extremism, racism or anti-Semitism" and to never lose hope in the French socio-economic model. He also stressed an important role his country played in the world.
Political commentators describe the address as Chirac's final exit from big politics after 45 years of active political activities.
The first round of presidential vote in France is to April 22. The run-off, if necessary, will be held on May 6.
Chirac's presidential mandate expires at midnight on May 16.
