Former French president Jacques Chirac dies aged 86

26 September 2019, 15:46

Jacques Chirac has died at the age of 86 years.
Jacques Chirac has died at the age of 86 years. Picture: PA

By Sylvia DeLuca

The former French president Jacques Chirac who championed the European Union has died aged 86.

Frederic Salat-Baroux, Mr Chirac's son-in-law, said he died "peacefully among his loved ones" on Thursday.

He did not give the cause of the death, but the former president has had repeated health problems since leaving office in 2007. He has also not made any public appearances since he fell ill.

Jacques Chirac's political career spanned 40 years, during which he served as the President of France between 1995 and 2007.

Under his presidency France entered into the single European currency and compulsory military service was abolished.

Mr Chirac was known for his stand against the American-led assault on Iraq, his recognition of the collaborationist French Government's role in deporting Jews in the Holocaust, and his reduction of the presidential term from 7 years to 5 through a referendum in 2000.

He was nicknamed "Le Bulldozer" early in his career for his determination and ambition.

However the former president was beset by a series of corruption scandals and in 2011 he was convicted of diverting public funds while serving as the mayor of Paris.

Flags have been put at half-mast in front of the French Parliament and the French National Assembly observed a minute's silence in his memory.

Jacques Chirac with Queen Elizabeth II following a State banquet at Windsor Castle.
Jacques Chirac with Queen Elizabeth II following a State banquet at Windsor Castle. Picture: PA

Tributes have been paid to Jacques Chirac by figures across the political spectrum.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission said he was "moved and devastated" to learn the news.

"Europe is not only losing a great statesman, but the president is losing a great friend," he said in a statement.

Former French President Nicolas Sarcozy tweeted: "His memory will remain in France's history as it will remain in the hearts of all our compatriots. It's a part of my life that disappeared today."

President of the National Rally party Marine Le Pen tweeted: "Despite the differences in opinion there may be over Jacques Chirac....he will be remembered as the president capable of opposing the madness of the Iraq war, re-establishing France's traditional position of balance and diplomacy."

Boris Johnson also paid tribute to the former French president.

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Pope Francesco greets the faithful in St. Peter's Square.

Pope facing 'period of trial' as Pontif issues Sunday prayer from hospital

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

Arrest warrants issued for four people as North Macedonia nightclub fire death toll rises to 59

At least 50 dead after fire rips through nightclub in North Macedonia

At least 50 dead after fire rips through nightclub in North Macedonia

This image made from video by NASA shows astronauts waving after the SpaceX capsule docked with the International Space Station, Sunday, March 16, 2025. Top row from left: Nick Hague, Alexander Gorbunov, Suni Williams, Alexei Ovchinin.

Over the moon: SpaceX capsule docks with ISS as stranded NASA astronauts welcome replacement crew

A view of the pollution caused by garbage and various wastes following the thousands of Palestinians displaced under the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel have returned to the northern Gaza Strip in Jabalia, Gaza on March 13, 2025.

US rejects Hamas’s ‘entirely impractical’ demands to implement ceasefire as talks reach impasse

The US has launched large strikes in Yemen as Donald Trump promised "overwhelming lethal force" until the Houthis cease attacks on shipping.

US launches strikes on Yemen as Trump promises 'overwhelming lethal force' against Houthis

"I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me," Jones, who also uses the name Samantha Strable, posted on social media.

American influencer apologises after being threatened with deportation for snatching baby wombat from mum

Soccer - International Friendly - Venezuela v Nigeria

England star John Fashanu arrested over 'five crimes' as he sues police for £100,000 compensation

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, right, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore. (NASA via AP)

'Stranded' NASA astronauts set to return from nine month space mission - but what health issues could they face?

Smoke billows from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast in England, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Dan Kitwood/Pool Photo via AP)

Russian captain of Solong container ship remanded in custody following crash with US oil tanker

BRITAIN-UKRAINE-DIPLOMACY-POLITICS-DEFENCE

'Coalition of the willing': Starmer hosts Ukraine peace summit as PM urges Putin to 'come to the negotiating table'

Melbourne, Australia. 15th Mar, 2025. Lando Norris of McLaren celebrates taking pole position during Qualifying at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Victoria, Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Lando Norris takes pole in Australia GP qualifying - as Lewis Hamilton trails in eighth on Ferrari debut

Merritt Island, Florida, USA. 14th Mar, 2025. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-10 astronauts lifts off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Mar. 14.

SpaceX rocket finally launches to bring two stranded NASA astronauts back to earth after nine months

Vladimir Putin must stop playing games with a ceasefire and come to the table, Sir Keir Starmer said, as he convenes world leaders to discuss peacekeeping in Ukraine

Starmer to host Ukraine peace summit - as he warns Putin to 'stop playing games' with ceasefire and come to table

Donald Trump speaks at the Justice Department

Trump insists peace talks with Russia are going 'really well' despite Putin being accused of 'delaying tactics'

The MV Stena Immaculate tanker after it was hit by the MV Solong container vessel in the North Sea

Captain of container ship Solong which crashed into US oil tanker charged with gross negligence manslaughter