Chirac - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Jacques Chirac was a French politician who served as the President of France from 1995 to 2007. He was born on November 29, 1932 in Paris, France.
- 2. Chirac was a member of the conservative political party, Rally for the Republic (RPR), and later the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP).
- 3. Before becoming President, Chirac held various government positions, including Prime Minister of France from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988.
- 4. Chirac was known for his strong opposition to the Iraq War in 2003, which strained relations between France and the United States.
- 5. During his presidency, Chirac implemented various domestic policies, including reducing the working week to 35 hours and introducing a law on the separation of church and state.
- 6. Chirac was also known for his efforts to improve relations between France and Africa, as well as his focus on environmental issues.
- 7. Chirac was re-elected for a second term as President in 2002, defeating far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen in the second round of voting.
- 8. In 2011, Chirac was found guilty of embezzlement and misuse of public funds during his time as Mayor of Paris in the 1990s. He was given a two-year suspended prison sentence.
- 9. Chirac passed away on September 26, 2019 at the age of 86. His death was met with tributes from leaders around the world.
- 10. Chirac's legacy is mixed, with some praising his efforts to strengthen France's position on the world stage, while others criticize his domestic policies and legal issues.