As for Mr Chirac's alleged misbehaviour, it dates from his 18-year tenure as mayor of Paris, from 1977 to 1995, when the public-works kickbacks were apparently divided between all the main political parties, including even the Communists.

ECONOMIST: France��s official sleaze

Many saw it as a natural, albeit excessive, extension of the widespread public anger against the country's established political parties including even the opposition Communists whom Greeks blame for leading the country into its current crisis.

WSJ: Greek Political Debate Turns Violent

If there is one thing on which all Greek parties, including the anti-EU communists, agree it is that Greece must not leave the euro.

ECONOMIST: The streets of Athens are in the grip of an ugly mood