HERE’S MORE ON THE CREDIT LYONNAIS / EXECUTIVE LIFE SCANDAL:

PARIS, Dec 5 (Reuters) – French lawmakers demanded answers on Friday over President Jacques Chirac’s role in the Executive Life dispute amid speculation he blocked a settlement that did not protect his billionaire friend Francois Pinault. . . .

Besson told Reuters he would raise the matter in parliament next week after a motion to launch a full-blown parliamentary inquiry into the affair was scratched without explanation from the agenda of next Friday’s meeting of its finance committee.

“This is going to turn into the Chirac-Pinault affair,” said Alain Riou, a senior figure in the opposition Green party, who is also seeking clarification on Chirac’s role.

Stay tuned.