Mar 16

　　In the face of France's student protests，so far, Mr de Villepin has stood his ground. Backed by Mr Chirac this week, he insists that he will not withdraw the contract, though he is prepared to talk about improving some guarantees for those who are fired. But he looks increasingly lonely. His poll ratings have collapsed; one this week showed that he had lost 11 points in a month. Le Monde has accused him of “autism”. Even his own party has started to mutter about the doubtful wisdom of pressing on.