How can we explain... that presidents Joseph Estrada, Alberto Fujimori and Richard Nixon can be tried but no judge can be found in France to try President Jacques Chirac?

Impeachment petition

The deputies - mainly backbenchers from the ruling Socialist Party - are calling for Mr Chirac to face charges for alleged corruption during his long tenure as mayor of Paris.

"The issue is whether a president who is implicated in scandals, as two judicial inquiries have proven, can run for re-election," said Noel Mamere of the Green Party.

Last month, a judge dropped his investigation into the allegations, saying it was pointless in the face of Mr Chirac's immunity.

Evidence

Judge Eric Halphen said, however, he had substantial evidence linking Mr Chirac - either as a prime mover or as an accomplice - to corrupt practices during his 18-year reign over Paris.

Seventy-seven people are currently under judicial investigation over allegations that Mr Chirac's Rally for the Republic party lined its pockets with bribes under his mayorship.

We believe that bringing the president before the High Court of Justice is not the right solution at this time

Socialist Party spokesman Vincent Peillon

Now the only way for Mr Chirac to face charges while still in office is for parliament to move to impeach him.

Arnaud Montebourg, the socialist deputy who is leading the campaign for impeachment, needs another 28 signatures to be able to bring the bill before parliament.

"Of the 500 or so deputies I still need to see, it would be quite incredible if I didn't find 28 who would sign my proposal," he said.

"How can we explain to our compatriots that crimes committed by presidents Joseph Estrada, Alberto Fujimori and Richard Nixon can be tried but no judge can be found in France to try President Jacques Chirac?" his petition asks.

Official disapproval

But Prime Minister Lionel Jospin's Socialist Party has officially disowned Mr Montebourg's campaign.

"Arnaud Montebourg is forging ahead with his own crusade," said party spokesman Vincent Peillon.

"We believe that bringing the president before the High Court of Justice is not the right solution at this time."

Observers say that there is little hope of Mr Montebourg's petition making it through parliament, particularly through the conservative-controlled senate.