Jacques Chirac was a French politician who served as the President of France from 1995 to 2007. He was known for his charismatic personality and his efforts to modernize France.
Early Life and Political Career
Chirac was born on November 29, 1932, in Paris, France. He was educated at the prestigious École Nationale d’Administration (ENA) and went on to work in the French civil service. In 1962, he was elected as a member of the National Assembly, the lower house of the French parliament.
In 1974, Chirac was appointed Prime Minister by President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. He held this position for two terms, from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988.
Chirac was known for his conservative political views and his commitment to French sovereignty. He was a vocal critic of the European Union and opposed the idea of a federal Europe.
Presidency
In 1995, Chirac was elected as the President of France, defeating Socialist candidate Lionel Jospin in the second round of the election. He was re-elected in 2002, defeating far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen.
As President, Chirac was known for his efforts to modernize France. He introduced a number of social and economic reforms, including the 35-hour workweek and the introduction of the euro as France’s currency.
Chirac was also a strong supporter of cultural diversity and the protection of France’s heritage. He opposed the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, saying that it would destabilize the Middle East and increase the threat of terrorism.
Later Life and Legacy
Chirac retired from politics in 2007 and was succeeded as President by Nicolas Sarkozy. In his later years, he suffered from health problems and was rarely seen in public.
Chirac died on September 26, 2019, at the age of 86. He was widely mourned in France and around the world, and was praised for his contributions to modernizing France and promoting cultural diversity.
Conclusion
Jacques Chirac was a charismatic French politician who served as the President of France from 1995 to 2007. He was known for his conservative political views and his efforts to modernize France, as well as his commitment to cultural diversity and the protection of France’s heritage. His legacy continues to influence French politics to this day.
