Jacques Chirac

In 1959, after completing studies at the École Nationale d'Administration, Jacques Chirac entered high-level civil service, then soon entered politics. He has since occupied various high-level positions, such as minister of agriculture, prime minister, mayor of Paris, and finally president of France.

Mayor of Paris

Action as a mayor

By an astute move he secured his election as secretary-general of the Gaullist UDR in the face of potential opposition from the party "barons" and soon afterwards consolidated his hold over the majority by easily defeating an opposition motion of censure. Chirac also formed the conservative Rally for the Republic movement in 1976 to perpetuate the policies of Charles de Gaulle.

Related Topics:
Secretary-general - Gaullist UDR - 1976 - Charles de Gaulle

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With the new party firmly under his control, Chirac was elected mayor of Paris in 1977, a position he held until 1995. As mayor of Paris, Chirac's political influence grew. Chirac supports contend that, as a mayor, he provided for programs to help the elderly, people with disabilities, and single mothers, while providing incentives for businesses to stay in Paris. His opponents contend that he installed clientelist policies, and favored office buildings at the expense of housing, driving rents high and worsening the situation of workers.

Related Topics:
Mayor - 1977 - 1995 - Clientelist

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In addition Chirac has been named in several cases of alleged corruption and abuse which occurred during his office term as mayor, some of which have already led to felony convictions against other politicians and aides. However, a controversial judicial decision from 1999 grants him virtual immunity, as current president of France. He has refused to testify on these matters, arguing that this would be incompatible with his presidential functions. See Corruption scandals in the Paris region.

Related Topics:
Corruption - 1999 - Corruption scandals in the Paris region

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The road to the presidency

In 1978, he attacked pro-European Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's Union for French Democracy as being the "pro-foreign party" (in the "Call of Cochin"). The already established rivalry between the two men became even more intense.

Related Topics:
1978 - Pro-European - Valéry Giscard d'Estaing - Union for French Democracy - Call of Cochin

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In 1981, Chirac made his first run for president. Chirac ran against sitting president Giscard in the presidential election, thus splitting the center-right vote; both Chirac and Giscard were defeated by Socialist François Mitterrand. Giscard has always blamed Chirac for his defeat in the 1981 elections. It is generally assumed that Giscard hates Chirac, and he has made a variety of snide comments on him.

Related Topics:
1981 - Presidential election - François Mitterrand

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When a strong conservative coalition won a slight majority in the National Assembly in 1986, Mitterrand appointed Chirac prime minister. This power-sharing arrangement, known as cohabitation, gave Chirac the lead in domestic affairs. However it is generally conceded that Mitterand outmanouvred Chirac - using the areas granted to the President of the Republic - defence and foreign affairs - to belittle his Prime Minister.

Related Topics:
1986 - Cohabitation

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Chirac sought the presidency and ran against Mitterrand for a second time in 1988, but was defeated in runoff elections. However, he remained mayor of Paris and active in parliament.

Related Topics:
1988 - Runoff election

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