The former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin has accused President Nicolas Sarkozy of holding a personal vendetta against him.  Mr de Villepin said on French television that the president was acting out of hatred, after the public prosecutor's announcement that he would appeal against Mr de Villepin's acquittal.

The former prime minister is claimed to have been involved in a smear campaign against President Sarkozy in 2007. The two were then both competing to take President Jacques Chirac's place. Mr de Villepin says that President Sarkozy wants him behind bars, and that the appeal to be filed against his acquittal is proof.

Mr de Villepin said yesterday that he is considering returning to politics. He has been touted as the rival candidate of his fellow party member Nicolas Sarkozy in the next presidential elections. 

Photo: Dominique de Villepin (Wikipedia)