His goal, whatever the short-term fallout, was to show he was the real master of French policy, internally and externally. Chirac can only say what he wants. The real master makes the real decisions and these are approved by the public in the polls. On that basis, so Jospin's logic goes, he deserves to become the elected monarch. The lesson of cohabitation is that the public likes it and the politicians really don't.
Power is a much headier potion than co-operation.
Canadians should not expect to see Chr tien and Manning in the same cabinet or the same bed soon.