France debates Dominque Strauss-Kahn return to politics

(AP)

The weakening of the case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn is fueling intense debate in France about whether the former IMF chief will be able to return and run for president.

The Socialist had been widely seen as the leading contender in the 2012 election, leading polls in the months before his arrest on charges of sexually assaulting a New York hotel maid.

With her credibility now undercut by prosecutors and Strauss-Kahn free on bail, the left-leaning daily Liberation asks the question "DSK Back?" on its front page Monday.

Socialist Party leader Martine Aubry says a July 13 deadline for candidates to register in the party primary could be pushed back if Strauss-Kahn wants a chance to run against conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy.