31.   PARIS French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin announces he is a candidate in spring presidential elections.

32.   Participants in the rally accused the government of restricting freedom of speech and other rights violations in the run up to presidential and parliamentary elections next spring.

33.   President Jacques Chirac on Monday officially declared himself a candidate in spring presidential elections.

34.   A conservative bloc led by media magnate Berlusconi plans to vote against Dini, who they accuse of reneging on promises to resign in time for spring elections.

35.   A conservative bloc led by media magnate Berlusconi voted against Dini, whom they accuse of reneging on promises to resign in time for spring elections.

36.   A recent surge in crime in France is sure to be a central campaign theme ahead of presidential and legislative elections this spring.

37.   A spring election within Northern Ireland, eagerly sought by Protestants but deeply unpopular with Catholics, would determine which politicians take part in a Belfast negotiating forum.

38.   Amato hopes to put together a government that can last until scheduled elections next spring, allowing time for his fractured, demoralized center-left coalition to regroup.

39.   And this week, French President Jacques Chirac called for legislative elections this spring to seek a new mandate for more austerity to make France qualify for the euro.

40.   Another obstacle to spring parliamentary elections is an upcoming referendum vote.