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.

Youth and studies

Jacques Chirac studied at:

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• Lycée Louis-le-Grand (graduated 1950)
• Institut d'études politiques de Paris (more widely known as Sciences Po) 1951-1954 (public service and politics). (In 1951, he wrote a minor thesis, titled The development of the port of New-Orleans on New Orleans port, where one part is dedicated to flood risks)
• Harvard summer school in 1953
• armored cavalry officer academy in Saumur (ranked 1st)
• École Nationale d'Administration (ENA) in 1959 (school for government service; ranked 10th)

Jacques Chirac was initially attracted towards left-wing causes, leading him to sell the Communist newspaper l'Humanité and to sign the Communist-inspired Stockholm Call against nuclear weapons in 1950. These left-wing ties proved later a hindrance to him, for instance in his first visit to the United States and his military career.

Related Topics:
Left-wing - Communist - L'Humanité - Stockholm Call - 1950 - United States

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Indeed, even though he finished first of his class at the armored cavalry officer academy of Saumur, the military wanted to de-rank him because they did not wish a "Communist" to become an officer. However, Chirac's extensive family acquaintances had him ranked back at his former position.

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After completing officer's school, Jacques Chirac volunteered to be deployed in Algeria (while the Algerian War of Independence was raging), even though his family relations would easily have allowed him to obtain a safe position away from the war. He was wounded during his tour of duty.

Related Topics:
Algeria - Algerian War of Independence

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