Juppe launches conviction appeal

Juppe is still mayor of Bordeaux

Former French Prime Minister Alain Juppe has launched his appeal against a corruption conviction which has barred him from active politics.

In January, he was given a suspended sentence of 18 months in jail for his role in a funding scam when President Jacques Chirac was mayor of Paris.

Under French electoral rules, the conviction brought with it a 10-year ban from holding political office.

Mr Juppe was once regarded as possible presidential candidate.

In July, he resigned his post as president of France's ruling UMP party but remained the mayor of Bordeaux.

He hopes the appeal, which started on Wednesday, will restore his reputation and his right to hold public office - which comes into effect if he loses.

The charges related to a jobs scam at Paris City Hall while Juppe was finance director and Mr Chirac was mayor between 1977 and 1995.

French Finance Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, seen as placing himself for a future run at the presidency, is standing for the UMP leadership to replace Juppe.

Mr Chirac, who has continued to back Juppe after his conviction, is said to support Mr Sarkozy's bid for the UMP leadership.