Jacques Chirac

Jacques Chirac was a towering figure in modern French politics, serving as the nation's head of state for twelve years. His long career, spanning over four decades, included two terms as Prime Minister of France and a transformative tenure as the first elected Mayor of Paris. A dominant force within the Gaullist tradition, his presidency was marked by a staunch opposition to the Iraq War and efforts to modernize the French Fifth Republic.

Early life and education

Born in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, he was the son of a bank executive. He attended the prestigious Lycée Louis-le-Grand before studying at the Institut d'études politiques de Paris. He briefly served as a French Army officer during the Algerian War. He later graduated from the elite École nationale d'administration, a traditional pathway for the French political class, alongside future political rivals like Michel Rocard.

Political career

His political ascent began under the patronage of Georges Pompidou, serving as a junior minister. He was appointed Prime Minister of France by President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1974, but resigned in 1976. He then founded the neo-Gaullist Rally for the Republic party. In 1977, he won the inaugural election for Mayor of Paris, a power base he held for 18 years. He served a second term as Prime Minister of France during the tense period of cohabitation with Socialist President François Mitterrand from 1986 to 1988. After two failed presidential bids, he was finally elected in 1995.

Presidency

His first term began with controversial domestic reforms, leading to widespread strikes. In 1997, he called a surprise legislative election, which resulted in a loss to the French Left and another long cohabitation with Prime Minister Lionel Jospin. Domestically, he later oversaw the controversial reduction of the presidential term to five years. On the international stage, he was a vocal critic of American foreign policy, most famously opposing the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He championed a multipolar world order and strengthened Franco-German ties with Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. His second term was overshadowed by the 2005 French riots and the rejection of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe in a national referendum.

Post-presidency and legacy

After leaving the Élysée Palace, he founded the Fondation Chirac to promote peace and cultural dialogue. In 2011, he was convicted of misusing public funds during his time as Mayor of Paris, a verdict that tarnished his later years. Historians credit him with preserving French influence on the United Nations Security Council and for his unwavering stance against the Iraq War. His legacy remains complex, viewed as a masterful political strategist whose career was also marred by legal controversies.

Personal life and death

He married Bernadette Chodron de Courcel in 1956, with whom he had two daughters, Laurence and Claude Chirac. He was known for his passion for Japanese art and sumo wrestling. He died at his home in Paris on 26 September 2019. His state funeral was held at the Église Saint-Sulpice, and he was interred at the Montparnasse Cemetery alongside his parents and daughter Laurence.

Category:Presidents of France Category:Prime Ministers of France Category:Mayors of Paris