President Jacques Chirac announced his departure from the French political stage on Sunday night after more than 40 years, confirming that he will not seek a third term in office at next month's presidential elections.

The 74-year-old president, whose recent time in office has been marred by suburban riots, youth protests and a European crisis sparked by France's rejection of the constitutional treaty, delivered his decision not to stand again in a simple, and direct televised address lasting barely 10 minutes.