Jacques Chirac: A Towering Figure in French Politics (1932-2019)

Jacques René Chirac, born on November 29, 1932, and passing away on September 26, 2019, was a central and enduring figure in French political life for over four decades. His career, marked by a dynamic shift in ideologies and significant policy decisions, culminated in his twelve-year tenure as President of France from 1995 to 2007, making him one of the longest-serving leaders of the Fifth Republic.

Before ascending to the presidency, Chirac held several of France's most influential political offices. He served two distinct terms as Prime Minister of France: first from 1974 to 1976 under President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, and again from 1986 to 1988 during a period of "cohabitation" with Socialist President François Mitterrand. Concurrently, he held the powerful position of Mayor of Paris for nearly two decades, from 1977 until his election as President in 1995. This extended period as the capital's mayor solidified his political base and provided a significant platform for his national ambitions.

Early Career and Political Ascent

Chirac's journey into the upper echelons of French administration began after his attendance at the prestigious École nationale d'administration (ENA). This elite institution is renowned for training France's senior civil servants and future political leaders. Upon graduating, Chirac embarked on a career as a high-level civil servant, swiftly transitioning into the political arena. His rapid ascent saw him occupy various senior ministerial positions, including the crucial roles of Minister of Agriculture (1972-1974), a portfolio vital to France's economy and its role within the European Economic Community, and Minister of the Interior (1974), responsible for internal security and administrative oversight.

Presidential Ambitions and Evolving Policies

As the long-standing standard-bearer for the conservative Gaullist party, the Rally for the Republic (RPR), Chirac made two unsuccessful bids for the presidency in 1981 and 1988. These early campaigns, however, established him as a resilient and prominent national political voice. During his initial political phases, particularly evident in his second term as Prime Minister, Chirac advocated for internal policies typically associated with conservative economic liberalism. These included:

• Lowering tax rates to stimulate economic activity.
• Removing price controls to foster market competition.
• Implementing strong punishment for crime and measures against terrorism to enhance public safety.
• Privatising state-owned businesses to reduce government intervention in the economy.

However, a significant shift in his policy approach became apparent after these initial conservative pursuits. By the time of the 1995 presidential election, Chirac had recalibrated his economic philosophy. He campaigned on a powerful platform of healing the "social rift" (fracture sociale), a term he coined to describe the growing social inequalities, unemployment, and exclusion despite periods of economic growth in France. This commitment to social cohesion and a more interventionist state directly contrasted with the prevailing laissez-faire economic policies championed by the United Kingdom under the successive ministries of Margaret Thatcher and John Major. Chirac famously critiqued these as "Anglo-Saxon ultraliberalism," instead advocating for policies rooted in dirigisme – a traditional French approach allowing for significant state-directed investment and economic planning.

A Transformative Presidency (1995-2007)

Chirac's 1995 presidential victory, securing 52.6% of the vote in the second round against Socialist candidate Lionel Jospin, marked the beginning of a transformative period. His presidency would be defined by several landmark decisions and strong diplomatic stances:

Stand Against the Iraq War (2003):

One of Chirac's most defining foreign policy acts was his resolute opposition to the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Emphasizing the need for United Nations authorization and diplomatic solutions, France, under Chirac's leadership, refused to join the military intervention, a stance that significantly impacted international relations and solidified France's independent foreign policy.

Recognition of French State Complicity in the Holocaust (1995):

In a historically pivotal moment, Chirac became the first French president to formally acknowledge the direct role of the French State (the Vichy regime) in the deportation of Jews during World War II. His powerful speech at the Vel' d'Hiv' roundup commemoration in July 1995 marked a profound departure from previous official narratives, stating, "France, the land of the Enlightenment and Human Rights, land of welcome and asylum, committed that day an irreparable act. Handing over its protégés to their executioners."

Reduction of Presidential Term (Quinquennat, 2000):

Through a successful referendum in 2000, Chirac oversaw the reduction of the presidential term from seven years (septennat) to five years (quinquennat). This reform aimed to synchronize presidential and legislative elections, thereby reducing periods of "cohabitation" (where the president and prime minister belong to opposing political parties) and enhancing governmental stability.

Resounding Re-election in 2002:

The 2002 French presidential election saw Chirac achieve an unprecedented victory in the second round, securing an overwhelming 82.2% of the vote against the far-right candidate, Jean-Marie Le Pen. This landslide result was largely due to a "republican front," where voters from across the political spectrum united to block the National Front, demonstrating a widespread rejection of extremism.

Second Term Challenges and Legacy

Despite his overwhelming re-election, Chirac's second presidential term faced significant challenges and was characterized by a marked decline in public approval. He was widely considered one of the least popular presidents in modern French political history during this period, grappling with persistent economic issues, social unrest, and a perception of inaction on domestic reforms. His final years in office were marked by dwindling influence.

Adding a complex dimension to his legacy, in 2011, a Paris court found Jacques Chirac guilty of diverting public funds and abusing public confidence, a scandal stemming from his tenure as Mayor of Paris. He received a two-year suspended prison sentence, making him the first former French head of state to be convicted of a crime since World War II. Despite the conviction, his enduring impact on French political institutions and his decisive foreign policy stands remain central to understanding late 20th and early 21st-century France.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jacques Chirac

When was Jacques Chirac President of France?

Jacques Chirac served as President of France for two terms, from May 17, 1995, to May 16, 2007.

What other major political roles did Jacques Chirac hold?

Beyond the presidency, he was Prime Minister of France twice (1974-1976 and 1986-1988) and the Mayor of Paris for 18 years (1977-1995).

What was the "social rift" (fracture sociale) Jacques Chirac campaigned on in 1995?

The "social rift" referred to the growing economic and social inequalities, high unemployment, and social exclusion that persisted in France despite overall economic growth. Chirac campaigned on a promise to address these disparities with more state intervention and a focus on national cohesion.

Why was Jacques Chirac's stance on the Iraq War significant?

Chirac's strong opposition to the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, emphasizing multilateralism and UN authorization, was a pivotal moment. It reaffirmed France's independent diplomatic tradition and its commitment to international law.

What was the "quinquennat" reform introduced by Chirac?

The "quinquennat" was a constitutional reform, approved by referendum in 2000, which reduced the presidential term from seven years to five. The goal was to synchronize presidential and legislative elections to reduce periods of cohabitation and enhance political stability.

Was Jacques Chirac involved in any legal scandals?

Yes, in 2011, he was convicted by a Paris court for diverting public funds and abusing public confidence related to "fictitious jobs" during his time as Mayor of Paris. He received a two-year suspended prison sentence, though he did not attend the trial due to ill health.