Jacques Chirac's Biography

Jacques Chirac was a prominent French politician and statesman who served as the President of France from 1995 to 2007, making him one of the country’s longest-serving leaders. Born on November 29, 1932, in Paris, Chirac studied at the prestigious Sciences Po and the École Nationale d'Administration (ENA), institutions that have produced many of France’s top civil servants. Known for his charismatic personality and sometimes forceful political style, Chirac earned the nickname 'Le Bulldozer.' He first rose to national prominence as Prime Minister under President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing in 1974, marking the beginning of a political career that spanned over four decades. Chirac was also the Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995, a role that significantly shaped his public image and influence. As President, he was recognized for opposing the Iraq War and for his passionate speeches on environmental protection, famously stating, 'The house is burning and we are looking elsewhere.' Despite his achievements, Chirac’s legacy was marred by a 2011 conviction for embezzlement and breach of trust related to his tenure as Mayor of Paris. Outside politics, Chirac was an avid lover of art, particularly Asian art, and cultivated a deep appreciation for French gastronomy. His net worth at the time of his death in 2019 was estimated to be around $11 million, primarily from public service pensions and speaking engagements. Chirac remains a complex and influential figure in modern French history.