History of Jacques Chirac

Jacques Chirac, one of France's most enduring political figures, was a consummate statesman who left an indelible mark on French and global politics. His career spanned more than four decades, during which he held multiple high-profile positions, including that of Prime Minister and President of France. Chirac's political journey reflected the evolution of post-war France, from its reactionary stages to a modern republic navigating a globalized world.

Born on November 29, 1932, in Paris, Jacques René Chirac grew up in a milieu that valued education and public service. His father was an executive for an aircraft manufacturer, and his mother's family had clerical origins. Chirac's education included studies at prestigious institutions, including the Lycée Louis-le-Grand and the Paris Institute of Political Studies. His academic prowess led him to the École Nationale d'Administration (ENA), a breeding ground for French civil servants and politicians. Graduating in 1959, Chirac entered public service as an auditor in the Court of Auditors.

Chirac's political career began in the early 1960s, during a period when France was wrestling with the aftermath of the Algerian War and transitioning from the Fourth to the Fifth Republic under Charles de Gaulle. In 1962, Chirac became the head of staff for Georges Pompidou, who was then the Prime Minister. This position provided him with a front-row seat to French politics and established a crucial political mentorship. In 1967, Chirac was elected to the National Assembly representing Corrèze, a region he maintained a strong affinity with throughout his career.

Chirac's early political alignment was with the Gaullist camp. He supported the policies of Charles de Gaulle and later those of Georges Pompidou. Under Pompidou, Chirac advanced quickly: he was appointed Secretary of State for Employment in 1967 and later Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of the Interior under President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. In 1974, following Pompidou’s death, Chirac was appointed Prime Minister by President Giscard d'Estaing. However, differences between the two led to Chirac's resignation in 1976.

Following his resignation, Chirac founded the Rally for the Republic (RPR), a Gaullist party which positioned itself as a principal force against Giscard and the Socialist Party. In 1977, he became the Mayor of Paris, a position he held for 18 years. His tenure as mayor bolstered his national profile and served as a springboard for his future presidential campaigns.

Chirac's first bid for the presidency in 1981 was unsuccessful. He campaigned again in 1988 but was defeated by the Socialist incumbent François Mitterrand. However, he did serve as Prime Minister from 1986 to 1988 during a period of cohabitation, when Mitterrand was president and the opposition controlled the National Assembly. Chirac's role required balancing governance with his aspirations for the presidency.

Chirac's persistence paid off in 1995 when he was finally elected President of France, ending a 14-year Socialist presidency. His presidency marked a shift towards more pragmatic and less ideologically bound policies. Domestically, Chirac's tenure focused on addressing unemployment, social cohesion, and reforming French institutions. His government undertook significant infrastructure projects and introduced reforms in education and health.

On the international stage, Chirac was a steadfast proponent of French sovereignty and independence. He opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, a stance that strained France’s relations with the US but won him significant admiration globally. Chirac’s foreign policy was rooted in multilateralism and strengthening the European Union, while he also emphasized the importance of France's role on the global stage as a voice for peace and diplomacy.

Chirac's presidency was not without its controversies. His administration faced numerous challenges, including corruption scandals originating from his time as Mayor of Paris. While Chirac himself largely avoided prosecution during his presidency, his post-presidency years saw him standing trial. In 2011, Chirac was found guilty of diverting public funds and abusing public confidence, though due to his age and health, he did not face prison time.

In the 2002 presidential election, Chirac was re-elected with a resounding victory against the far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen, a moment that was pivotal for France as it rallied against extremism. Chirac's second term continued to be marked by efforts to modernize France and sustain its economic vitality.

Jacques Chirac stepped down from the presidency in 2007, succeeded by Nicolas Sarkozy. After his retirement, he remained a respected figure in French politics. His death on September 26, 2019, brought forth a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum, reflecting his immense influence on both France and the world.

Chirac's legacy is multifaceted. To many, he was a symbol of resilience, political acumen, and dedication to his country. As a politician, he navigated through changing political tides and left behind a complex inheritance characterized by significant domestic and international contributions, as well as notable controversies. While his political career may have had its share of failures and successes, Jacques Chirac remains a central figure in the narrative of modern France, exemplifying the challenges and triumphs of post-war French politics.