11.   Cancelling a ceremony he was due to make, he told stunned journalists that he had just returned from paying his last respects to his socialist predecessor.

12.   This works particularly in contrast to his socialist predecessor.

13.   They said Aznar hoped to maintain the political stance toward China of his socialist predecessor Felipe Gonzalez, defeated in March elections.

14.   Jospin admitted that his socialist predecessors may have made mistakes.

15.   One advantage over his socialist predecessor may be his almost faultless English, which may help smooth dialogue with his US counterpart.

16.   President Jacques Chirac was to make a televised tribute Monday evening to his socialist predecessor Francois Mitterrand, Elysee Palace officials said.

17.   Since then they have done no better than their socialist predecessors in cutting unemployment.

18.   The government says the amended budget is needed to combat a rising deficit it blames on its Socialist predecessors, who were ousted two months ago.