Chirac to miss weekly cabinet meeting

French President Jacques Chirac, in hospital with a vascular problem that impaired his vision, was to skip a weekly Cabinet meeting today for the first time since taking office in 1995.

Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin was expected to meet with Chirac at Val de Grace military hospital before presiding over the meeting in place of the president, officials said.

Chirac was admitted to hospital on Friday night for what doctors said was a “small vascular accident” that troubled his vision in one eye.

A medical update on Monday said he showed very favourable progress, with his condition receding. He is expected to be released after a week’s stay.

The 72-year-old president spoke yesterday by telephone with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, the latest sign the French leader is determined to stay on the job as his health improves.

The government has been facing criticism for allegedly guarding details of Chirac’s condition like a state secret.