Who Is Jacques Chirac? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Jacques Chirac was born on November 29, 1932. He served as the President of France from 1995 to 2007, making significant contributions to French politics and the European Union during his tenure. Chirac was known for his distinctive leadership style and was a dominant figure in French politics for decades. As of 2025, he would have turned 92 years old, and despite his passing in September 2019, his impact continues to resonate in contemporary discussions on French and global politics.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 29, 1932 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Paris, France |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 26 September, 2019 |
| Died Place | Paris, France |
Popularity
Jacques Chirac's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While information regarding Jacques Chirac’s specific height and weight is not prominently recorded in public records, he was often described as having a robust build typical of someone with a strong public presence. His physical stature complemented his charismatic leadership style.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jacques Chirac was married to Bernadette Chirac in 1956. The couple remained together throughout his life and had two daughters, Laurence and Claude. Their marriage, both politically and personally, was a point of interest for the media and public alike. There is no public record of any romantic relationships outside of his marriage.
Chirac was an only child (his elder sister, Jacqueline, died in infancy nearly ten years before his birth). He was educated in Paris at the Cours Hattemer, a private school. He then attended the Lycée Carnot and the Lycée Louis-le-Grand. After his baccalauréat, behind his father's back, he went off to serve for three months as a sailor on a coal transport.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Jacques Chirac’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. This wealth was accumulated through his long-standing career in politics, including various prime ministerial roles and his presidency. Additionally, Chirac was involved in several business ventures and served on boards that contributed to his financial status.
Citing Giscard's unwillingness to give him authority, Chirac resigned as prime minister in 1976. He proceeded to build up his political base among France's several conservative parties, with a goal of reconstituting the Gaullist UDR into a Neo-Gaullist group, the Rally for the Republic (RPR).
Chirac's first tenure as prime minister was also an arguably progressive one, with improvements in both the minimum wage and the social welfare system carried out during the course of his premiership.
Career, Business, and Investments
Chirac's political career spanned several decades, beginning with his first political role in 1965. Notably, he served as Prime Minister of France twice and presided over significant events, such as the Euro's introduction and France's stance on the Iraq War. Beyond politics, Jacques Chirac was involved with various organizations post-presidency and focused on global issues including environmentalism through the Jacques Chirac Foundation.
After attending the École nationale d'administration, Chirac began his career as a high-level civil servant, entering politics shortly thereafter. Chirac occupied various senior positions, including minister of agriculture and minister of the interior.
In 1981 and 1988, he unsuccessfully ran for president as the standard-bearer for the conservative Gaullist party Rally for the Republic (RPR). Chirac's internal policies initially included lower tax rates, the removal of price controls, strong punishment for crime and terrorism, and business privatisation.
Social Network
Jacques Chirac maintained a public profile through various means, including his official speeches and rallies. Even after his presidency, he remained influential, particularly through social initiatives and advocacy for global issues. His legacy continues to be discussed on platforms like social media, where followers remember his profound influence on French and European politics.
After some months in the ministry for Relations with Parliament, Chirac's first high-level post came in 1972 when he became Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under Pompidou, who had been elected president in 1969, after de Gaulle retired.
Chirac quickly earned a reputation as a champion of French farmers' interests, and first attracted international attention when he assailed U.S., West German, and European Commission agricultural policies which conflicted with French interests.
Education
Jacques Chirac was educated at the prestigious Sciences Po (Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris), where he laid the foundation for his successful political career. He also attended the École nationale d'administration (ENA), which is a breeding ground for French political leaders. His educational background equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of government.
Chirac played rugby union for Brive's youth team, and also played at university level. He played no. 8 and second row. At age 18, his ambition was to become a ship's captain.
