After more than 45 years as a dominant and often a controversial figure in the political limelight in France, President Jacques Chirac has announced his retirement from active politics.

• 作了超过45年的主导人物，在法国常常以一个充满矛盾争议形像而受人注目，希拉克总统宣布从活跃的政治活动中隐退。