Chirac in hospital
France’s President Jacques Chirac was being treated in hospital today after a “small vascular incident” affecting his eye, the country’s prime minister said.
Chirac was taken to Val-de-Grace hospital in Paris on Friday evening, said Dominique de Villepin in the Atlantic coastal resort of La Baule.
He did not elaborate. Chirac is expected to remain in the hospital for a week.
Villepin said he had discussed with 72-year-old Chirac the government's agenda in the coming days - in particular planned French aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the US.
He said he would visit the president upon returning to the capital later today.
He added: “Last night, he had a small vascular incident causing slight vision trouble that should fade over the next few days. He will stay in hospital for a week.”
