Former French President Jacques Chirac is making headlines with the recent release of his memoirs.

In the book, Chirac offers his candid opinion of a number of politicians.

Current President Nicolas Sarkozy, who Chirac openly disliked, is described as nervous, impatient to act, but having a talent for generating publicity.

In contrast, Francois Mitterand, who beat Chirac for the presidency twice, is depicted as having excellent judgment and a tactical intelligence that is rare in political circles.

Margaret Thatcher also draws praise in the book. Though she bitterly clashed with Chirac, as was the case with other European leaders, he wrote that he admired her conviction.