French ex-president Chirac releases first memoir

French lawsuit-fastened ex-president Jacques Chirac released his memoir Tuesday, narrating his life and political career up to 1995 when he began the 12-year rule over France.

The memoir, "Every Step Should Be a Goal", a 500-page book, was the first of his two-volume autobiography, which displays the childhood of 76-year-old veteran politician and his upbeat track to the top position of France.

The first volume is going to appear on shelves of bookstores on Thursday. His years as president from 1995 to 2007 will be laid out in the second volume.

Excerpts of the autobiography have been published on French media.

The description of young Nicolas Sarkozy and Chirac's activity between 1977 and 1995 as Paris mayor were the most attractive sections.

Although Chirac wrote bitter words about former president Valery Giscard d'Estaing, calling him arrogant and spiteful, he saved a moderate comment on Sarkozy, depicting the former aide "nervous, overzealous and eager for action" in the early days.

Contrasting with last week's corruption accusation, Chirac didn't mention a clue in the book about the fictional advisers during his term as Paris mayor from 1977 to 1995.

Chirac was sued Friday for peculating city funds through establishing fictional positions of "ghost" advisers. If the senior retiree is convicted, the reputation degradation could be his biggest loss besides possible prison life and fine.

Source: Xinhua