国际英语新闻：French ex-premier de Villepin founds new party

PARIS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin inaugurated here his new party on Saturday, aiming to set up an alternative to challenge incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2012 presidency election.

At a grand hall in the 13th arrondissemente of Paris, between 3, 000 to 5,000 people rallied to witness the birth of the new political movement "Republique Solidaire" (United Republic).

"Something new is rising again in France. ... Our economic and social system is out of breath," Villepin, the ex-premier of President Jacque Chirac, said in front of his supporters, who cried loud "Villepin, President" before his speech.

Denoted by his supporters as the defender of "republican value, " Villepin said his new party was "free and independent."

After eloquently counting the faulty record of present government led by Sarkozy, the former premier depicted his new party "a movement with a mission to meet French people, especially those who feel themselves are orphaned by the government."

"Today let us take up once more that torch of republic loyalty. Let us take up once more the torch of justice and liberty," he appealed, recalling the spirit of General Charlles de Gaulle, who is branded by Villepin as an example to follow.