Dominique Strauss-Kahn breaks the silence.
In an interview with TF1 in France, the former head of the IMF acknowledges a moral failing. His remorse, however, is less convincing than his economic knowledge.
Roberta Namour, 247 correspondent in Paris – Dominique Strauss-Kahn was once again the center of attention after giving his first interview since the rape accusation scandal involving a Sofitel hotel maid in New York. On Sunday evening's television news on TF1, he broke his silence. "What happened does not involve violence, aggression, or any criminal act. What happened was not just an inappropriate relationship, but a failing," said the former IMF chief with a serious expression. "It's more serious than a weakness; it's a moral failing that I'm not proud of," he added.
But what actually happened? DSK didn't say, and the news anchor Claire Chazal seemed uninterested. On several occasions, he simply reiterated what the New York prosecutor's report concluded: the maid Nafissatou Diallo lied. And that's all. The former IMF managing director implied he was the victim of a setup. But the lack of curiosity – or independence – of the journalist in front of him prevented the public from learning more than that.
Regarding the accusations made by French journalist Tristane Banon, he denied any act of violence. In a statement to the French police on September 12th, he reportedly confessed to a forced kiss, but maintained that his intentions stopped there. The case is being investigated by the courts.
Indeed, for a man of his power to publicly admit that he was afraid, "very afraid," is impressive and almost leads us to believe in his innocence. But as soon as he began to talk about political advice regarding the Euro and Greece, his mask fell. "DSK became more comfortable showing his competence than his sincerity," said former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin. The point is that Strauss-Kahn's teachings now have little value. His ambitions to run for the French presidency in 2012 have been abandoned. "All that is in the past. Obviously, I am no longer a candidate. But I continue to think that a victory for the left is necessary for our country." Who knows, maybe in 2017 he will return more convincing.