Chirac has no fixed course to navigate. Gaullism is a dated philosophy and firmness of policy has never been his strong point. He is a remarkable man with brilliant survival skills. Some see him as a "Don Juan" of politics. It is apt. He likes to conquer power and to possess it, but he has less skill in exercising it, sometimes to the point where it seems no longer to interest him.
Of course, because to exercise it would mean eventually pi**ing someone off. What has counted for Chirac was his office. Being elected and being in the history books.
One thing for T Blair. He dares to offend. As does W. And yet, they are still in power.
Poor Jacques. Il n'a rien compris!