Jacques Chirac

Date of Birth: November 29, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 26, 2019

Biography

Jacques René Chirac was a prominent French statesman who served as the President of France from 1995 to 2007. Born into a politically active family, Chirac quickly climbed the ranks of French politics, becoming a significant figure within the Gaullist movement. He held various key positions throughout his career, including Prime Minister, Mayor of Paris, and Minister of Agriculture. As President, Chirac is remembered for his firm stance against the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, his efforts to integrate France into the European Union, and his initiatives to address environmental issues. Despite controversies and legal issues later in life, his legacy remains influential in French politics.

5 Interesting Facts about Jacques Chirac

1. Jacques Chirac was a vocal critic of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, which made him a key figure in international diplomacy.

2. He served as the Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995, making significant contributions to the modernization of the city.

3. Chirac was the first French president to acknowledge the French state’s role in the deportation of Jews during World War II.

4. He survived a failed assassination attempt on Bastille Day in 2002.

5. Chirac was known for his environmental advocacy, notably launching the “Grenelle de l’Environnement” initiative.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jacques Chirac

1. “The construction of Europe is an art. It is the art of the possible.”

2. “France is a country that loves change but only the change that fits with its traditions.”

3. “Terrorism has become the systematic weapon of a war that knows no borders or seldom has a face.”

4. “We are fighting against terrorism and we will continue to fight until this threat to our world is eradicated.”

5. “We have a single mission: to protect and hand on the planet to the next generation.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jacques Chirac’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Jacques Chirac had two daughters with his wife, Bernadette Chirac: 1. Laurence Chirac (1958–2016) 2. Claude Chirac (born 1962), who has been active in public relations and politics.