Jacques Chirac (born November 29, 1932, Paris, France – died September 26, 2019, Paris, France) was a prominent French politician who served as the President of France and co-Prince of Andorra from 1995 to 2007. A leading figure on the right-wing of French politics for decades, he previously held the position of Prime Minister of France twice (1986–1988 and 1995) and was the Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995.
Chirac began his career as a civil servant after graduating from the École Nationale d'Administration (ENA), a prestigious French grande école. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving in various ministerial positions, including Minister of Agriculture and Minister of the Interior, before becoming Prime Minister for the first time under President François Mitterrand, marking a period of "cohabitation" between a Socialist president and a conservative government.
His presidency (1995-2007) was marked by several significant events and policies:
- Domestic Policy: He initiated the transition to a 35-hour workweek, ended compulsory military service, and faced significant social unrest over pension reforms.
- European Integration: Chirac oversaw France's full integration into the Eurozone, with the euro becoming the official currency in 2002.
- Foreign Policy: He is perhaps most remembered internationally for his staunch opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies, advocating for a diplomatic solution through the United Nations. He also famously recognized France's responsibility for the deportation of Jews during World War II, a significant break from previous official positions.
- Environmentalism: Towards the end of his second term, he became a vocal advocate for environmental protection, famously stating "Our house is burning and we are looking elsewhere."
Chirac was a member of the Rally for the Republic (RPR) party, which he led for many years, eventually transforming it into the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) in 2002 (now The Republicans). After leaving office, he retired from public life due to declining health. He remains a significant figure in modern French political history, known for his charismatic yet sometimes populist style, his deep connection to the French agricultural sector, and his role in shaping France's place in Europe and the world.