Chirac accuses his rival Jospin of using 'fascist' smear tactics

Jacques Chirac, the French President, accused his opponents yesterday of using "fascist methods" to smear him by constantly referring to the financial scandals in his past.

Mr Chirac said: "These hate-filled campaigns take us back to the least glorious episodes of our history." The President was responding to the unexpectedly pugnacious approach adopted by Lionel Jospin, the Socialist Prime Minister, since he entered the presidential election campaign last month.

Mr Jospin has made no specific allegations about the skeletons tumbling from Mr Chirac's cupboard, including judicial investigations on everything from kickbacks to vote-rigging. However, the Prime Minister has seized on every opportunity to refer to them. Whenever Mr Chirac calls for a "zero impunity" approach to crime, Mr Jospin agrees but says zero impunity should start at the top of society, not the bottom. The Prime Minister has also launched a barrage of other personal and political criticisms of the Gaullist (centre-right) President.

Mr Jospin's motive seems to be to force the President off his chosen ground for the 21 April and 5 May two-round election. Mr Chirac planned to fight a sedate campaign, sheltering behind his presidential dignity. Mr Jospin's tactics have been working. Almost all surveys predict he will beat Mr Chirac.