President Jacques Chirac last night dismissed claims that his government was more unpopular than ever, rejected calls to sack the prime minister, Dominique de Villepin, and refused to rule out running for a third term. In a surprise television interview, his first for a year, the French leader sidestepped questions about the crisis in his right-of-centre administration and shrugged off claims that the political climate in the country was "apocalyptic". He seemed determined to make the most of his 30 minutes live on air, attempting to quash rumours of a big shake-up in the government and pledge support for Mr de Villepin.His comments prompted the Socialist opposition to accuse him of ignoring public concerns. "French citizens must be asking themselves why he is taking no interest in their opinions or in what is happening in their country," said Julien Dray, a spokesman for the Parti Socialiste. "He is a distant figure, closed in his own reality, mechanically reciting these things."
Mr Chirac, 73, belied claims by one ally that he was tired, a little depressed and not his normal "hyperactive" self, with an animated and upbeat performance.
He had not been due to appear on television until his annual Bastille Day address on July 14, but it is thought he wanted to inject some calm into the divided ranks of his ruling UMP party. He denied that bickering between ministers - notably Mr de Villepin and the interior minister, Nicolas Sarkozy - had paralysed the government 11 months from the presidential election.