The latest twist in Mr. Strauss-Kahn’s case appeared to throw open questions again about the former IMF chief’s political aspirations. Some of Mr. Strauss-Kahn’s supporters said they hoped he would participate in the Socialist Party primaries, currently under way, and revive his presidential bid. “The party must suspend the primaries to give him time to decide,” French Socialist Michele Sabban said in a telephone interview. The party has set a July 13 deadline for candidates to register their bid in the primaries.

“I don’t see the Socialists changing the calendar of their primaries, it’s too big a risk,” said Jean Chiche, a politics professor at the Sciences Po university in Paris. He said if Mr. Strauss-Kahn is cleared, he could ultimately be part of a Socialist party ticket. “He could gain a prominent position — prime minister, for example — if the Socialists win the election.”

Some supporters of Mr. Strauss-Kahn went so far as to suggest the Frenchman should be reinstated as IMF managing director, a post he resigned after his arrest. “He should get his job back without delay,” said Antonio Duarte, head of an unofficial fan group Club DSK.