What is Jacques Chirac's Net Worth?
Jacques Chirac, a renowned French politician, had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his passing. Born on November 29, 1932, in Paris, France, Chirac held several significant positions, most notably serving as the 22nd President of France from May 17, 1995, until May 16, 2007. He was succeeded by Nicolas Sarkozy. During his presidency, Chirac also served as Co-Prince of Andorra, and before that, he was the Prime Minister of France from March 20, 1986, to May 10, 1988.
Chirac's political career was diverse and extensive. He held various positions such as Mayor of Paris, Minister of the Interior, Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Relations with the Parliament, and President of the Corrèze General Council. His political affiliations evolved over time, starting with the Communist Party before 1962, then moving to the UNR (1962-1968), UDR (1968-1971), RPR (1971-2002), and finally the UMP.
Personal Life
Jacques Chirac was married to Bernadette de Courcel since 1956, and they had two daughters, Laurence and Claude. Chirac was well-educated, attending the Institute of Political Studies, Paris, and the National School of Administration. He practiced Roman Catholicism.
Political Achievements and Policies
During his presidency, Jacques Chirac implemented several key policies, including reducing tax rates, eliminating price controls, privatizing businesses, and increasing penalties for crime and terrorism. However, his career was not without controversy. In 2009, he was accused of embezzlement, and in 2011, he was found guilty of creating nineteen fake jobs paid by the city of Paris, leading to a conviction for illegal conflict of interest, abuse of public trust, and misuse of public funds.
Legacy and Death
Chirac's two terms as President are notable as the second longest in French history. His tenure also faced significant dangers; an assassination attempt was made on him during the 2002 Bastille Day by Maxime Brunerie, associated with the far-right group Unite Radicale. Post-presidency, Chirac remained active in public service, joining the Constitutional Council of France and establishing the Fondation Chirac, which focuses on peace advocacy.
Jacques Chirac passed away on September 26, 2019.