71.   His successful vote-poaching cost Socialist leader Michel Rocard his job.

72.   In a fiery speech at a regional party meeting, he blasted Socialist leaders as traitors and villains and demanded the party clear his name before he joins.

73.   Interior Minister Jaime Mayor Oreja was meeting with Socialist party leaders, and was expected to hold a press conference later Thursday.

74.   Instead, he will now be forced to share power with Socialist leader Lionel Jospin, the likely new prime minister.

75.   It is also a meeting place for Socialist leaders and supporters.

76.   Juppe and Socialist leader Lionel Jospin said in separate interviews on evening TV news programs that they would be willing to debate each other.

77.   Lebed also plans meetings with Senate President Rene Monory and National Assembly President Philippe Seguin, Socialist leader Lionel Jospin as well as French businessmen before he leaves Friday.

78.   Losing the election gamble would force Chirac into an uncomfortable partnership with a left-dominated Parliament and a leftist prime minister, probably Socialist leader Lionel Jospin.

79.   Meanwhile, Socialist leader Lionel Jospin rallied his troops for the elections next month, with party leaders attacking the right as promising more hardship for the French.

80.   Meanwhile, Socialist leader Lionel Jospin has insisted he favors the euro, but not at the cost of jobs.