French Commentary: Chirac, Villepin sideline Sarkozy in management of riots.

(From BBC Monitoring International Reports)

Text of commentary by Philippe Gouillard and Bruno Jeudy entitled "Chirac appears to hand over to Villepin" published by French newspaper Le Figaro website on 10 November; subheadings as published

It will leave an enduring image. On Sunday [President] Jacques Chirac addressed the French people for the first time since the start of the riots. Rather than the substance of his remarks, which seemed very cautious in view of the gravity of the situation, it was [Prime Minister] Dominique de Villepin's presence next to him in the courtyard of the Elysee [president's office] that was noteworthy. Following his brief …