PARIS (AP) -- Jacques Chirac's potential successors — including the head of his own party, Nicolas Sarkozy — are racing to distance themselves from the French president's legacy that critics say is marred by economic stagnation and unfulfilled promises. Chirac, in announcing he wouldn't seek a third term, left one question unanswered: Whom will he back as a successor?

There are fewer than six weeks left before the first round of voting April 22, and polls show a tight race among Sarkozy, Socialist Segolene Royal and centrist Francois Bayrou — and nearly half of voters still undecided.

Sarkozy will most likely win Chirac's nod, though the two fell out years ago. Chirac's backing could be a mixed blessing, since Sarkozy has based his campaign on pledges to break with the past.

Sarkozy insisted in a radio interview Monday that he was not "anyone's heir," and said he would do things differently if elected president. "I wasn't handed anything," he said.

Bayrou offered Chirac "a small tip of the hat" in televised comments Monday — but insisted he also wasn't seeking to be anointed Chirac's heir and recalled his longtime differences with the president.

Royal praised the "dignity" of Sunday's speech but also called for a "new page in history" post-Chirac. Extreme right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen simply called Chirac "the worst president in the history of France."

French politicians and media on the left and right welcomed Chirac's weekend outpouring, but appeared relieved that he is stepping down. International reaction to his departure was subdued.

"Never for a minute did I stop serving this magnificent France. This France that I love as much as I love you ... this France that, believe me, has not finished suprising the world," Chirac said.

Critics say Chirac focused too hard on international affairs while France saw wages stagnate and discrimination fester. And despite his efforts, France's influence on the world stage has waned.

Chirac, 74, has been president since 1995 and has had a political career spanning four decades, BBC reported.