Summary
04 July 2011
Dominique Strauss-Kahn is unlikely to run for the French presidency despite surveys that suggest he would still prove popular. On Friday the former IMF chief was freed from his strict bail conditions after doubts about the reliability of his accuser.
Reporter:
Christian Fraser
Dominique Strauss-Kahn still faces criminal charges but nevertheless is a popular figure in some French political circles
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It is extraordinary to think he is even being mooted as a potential candidate. But such was the outpouring of relief in Socialist circles on Friday that speculation was rife over the weekend that Mr Strauss-Kahn may return as a surprise candidate for next year's presidential election.
The snap polls that followed Friday's dramatic events in court revealed 49% of French voters favour his return, against 45% opposed. And on the left 60% of people suggest they would support him.
Today while not ruling out a political future for the former IMF chief, the party spokesman, Benoit Hamon, said the idea that Mr Strauss-Kahn could now run for the presidency was "the weakest" of all possible scenarios.
But he also made it clear that the leadership would not necessarily block a late entry to the party ballot.
The list for the Socialist candidates closes on the 13th and in theory Mr Strauss-Kahn can put his name forward, even if he is not released by the deadline.
Mr Strauss-Kahn would certainly be a gamble, but the current crop of front runners do not unite or inspire the party as Mr Strauss-Kahn did before his arrest. The direction of the polls in the next few weeks, and the events in court, could yet prove crucial.
Christian Fraser, 大象传媒 News, Paris
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Vocabulary
- mooted
suggested
- the outpouring of relief
the strong expression of thanks that an unpleasant situation has ended
- speculation was rife
there were a lot of ideas and guesses about what might happen next
- snap polls
surveys of public opinion that took place very quickly
- ruling out
deciding that something is definitely not going to happen
- scenarios
options for what might happen in the future
- The list
The names of people registered to be part of something
- put his name forward
become an official candidate
- a gamble
something that is risky and not certain to be successful
- the current crop of front runners
the candidates who are most likely to be successful
