FRANCE: Freedom of the press

Why did President Mitterrand publicly recognize his illegitimate daughter? Carmen Negrin explains: "Paris Match sent Mitterrand pictures taken of him and his daughter, and he decided to talk about it before Paris Match did. It became news because it meant extra public funds and because she and her mother benefited from public protection and housing as daughter of the President. It was quickly forgotten,The daughter published a book recently about being the secret daughter of Mitterrand, I don't think it's a best seller! The question, which is still being debated, is when does something private become public,and when does private life affect public life. The present, unclear limits are different in the US and in France".

Ronald Hilton - 7/12/03