World Notes France

For potential contenders in the 1988 French presidential race, the main question is whether President Francois Mitterrand will run. Last week the popular President deepened speculation with a deliberate- ly ambiguous pronouncement. Speaking to a group of reporters at a military camp in southwestern France, Mitterrand said, "Every time I think about that question, everything within me says, 'No, I won't be a candidate'. . . Could anything happen to make me think that's a mistake? I cannot imagine it." +

The Conservative daily Le Figaro dismissed the announcement as "mere twaddle." Jean-Claude Gaudin, a leader of the majority, grumbled, "The more Mitterrand says no, the more likely it is yes." A more probable assessment was offered by Jean-Jack Queyranne of the President's Socialist Party: "Mitterrand's brief remark served as a pointed reminder that he is still President -- and master of the game."