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French Leaders Keep Health Hush-Hush

By Mat Probasco,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 27, 2009 1:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – Don't expect French President Nicolas Sarkozy to talk about being rushed to the hospital after he collapsed during a jog yesterday. If he's anything like his predecessors, he'll probably say nothing at all, reports AFP. Since 1974, when President Georges Pompidou died while in office from leukemia, French leaders have vowed to be open about their health problems—but in fact, few health updates are ever issued. Valery Giscard d'Estaing replaced Pompidou, promising regular health bulletins, yet never released one.

Francois Mitterrand took over in 1981, keeping secret the prostate cancer that eventually killed him until after his re-election in 1992. Jacques Chirac took office in 1995, and refused to discuss the "minor vascular incident" that hospitalized him that year. As for Sarkozy's health, he was released from the hospital today following a series of tests, reports AP. One official said Sarkozy's collapse was "a little incident that could happen to anyone."

Georges Jean Raymond Pompidou (1911-1974), President of France after de Gaulle, gives a speech in 1969. He died in office of leukemia.
Georges Jean Raymond Pompidou (1911-1974), President of France after de Gaulle, gives a speech in 1969. He died in office of leukemia.   (Getty Images)
The late French President Georges Pompidou as a candidate in 1969.
The late French President Georges Pompidou as a candidate in 1969.   (Getty Images)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, jogs on a golf course in Toyako, Japan, earlier this month.  Sarkozy collapsed suddenly while jogging yesterday.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, jogs on a golf course in Toyako, Japan, earlier this month. Sarkozy collapsed suddenly while jogging yesterday.   (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy covers his mouth while speaking on the phone earlier this month.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy covers his mouth while speaking on the phone earlier this month.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
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