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5 Match the words in the box with their definitions 1-10.
bill misuse associate fraud mayor
kickback wrongdoing scam inquiry wrangle
1 It is a head of the city.
2 It is when someone breaks the law.
3 It is a case of cheating.
4 It is when somebody abuses something.
5 It is an investigation.
6 It is money or things which are given to an official as a payment for some
illegal activities.
7 It is an ally of somebody.
8 It is a dishonest action.
9 It is a controversy.
10 It is when someone brings an action against somebody.
NEW LAW COULD LEAVE CHIRAC OPEN TO CHARGES
· New law gives protection for sitting presidents only
· MPs can impeach if future leader breaches their duty
The French parliament yesterday began debating a bill on presidential
immunity from prosecution, which could allow Jacques Chirac to face possible
questioning over corruption scandals when he steps down.
Mr. Chirac's 12 years as president have been dogged by a number of
scandals dating back to his time as mayor of Paris between 1977 and 1995,
including claims of illegal party funding and kickbacks which have resulted in
convictions for some of his associates. He has always denied any wrongdoing or
knowledge of corruption. But he has never been questioned by judges because
he went straight from mayoralty to presidency in 1995.
When a judge sought to interrogate Mr. Chirac during his first term as
president, France's highest court was forced to rule on his status, deciding that
the president had blanket immunity while in office. The ruling effectively
suspended investigation into Mr. Chirac's conduct but was not enshrined into law.
During his 2002 re-election campaign, Mr. Chirac promised to clarify the
status of serving presidents. The resulting bill, drawn up by an independent
commission, has been gathering dust for years and is now being rushed through
before the presidential election this spring. It offers no protection for Mr. Chirac
should investigating judges decide to reopen their cases when his mandate ends.
However, it would ensure full immunity for serving presidents, sparing future
heads of state the messy wrangling Mr. Chirac was subjected to. The bill would
also give parliament power to impeach the president in the event of a "breach of
duty".
Mr. Chirac has not said whether he will seek a third term in the two-round
election this April and May, although it is thought unlikely. There is no indication
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