Jacques Chirac Net Worth: $10 Million
Category: Richest Politicians › Presidents
Profession: Politician, Critic, Sailor
Nationality: France
Birthdate: November 29, 1932 – September 26, 2019
Birthplace: Paris, France
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.89 m)
Who Was Jacques Chirac?
Jacques Chirac was a prominent French statesman best remembered for serving as the 22nd President of France from 1995 to 2007, one of the longest presidencies in the country’s modern history. At the time of his death in 2019, his net worth was estimated at $10 million.
Political Career Highlights
- President of France (1995–2007): Served two full terms and was Co-Prince of Andorra during the same period.
- Prime Minister of France:
- First term: 1974–1976 under President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing
- Second term: 1986–1988 under President François Mitterrand
- Mayor of Paris (1977–1995): Held the position for 18 years before ascending to the presidency.
- Other roles: Held cabinet positions including Minister of Agriculture and Minister of the Interior.
Policies and Legacy
Chirac was known for:
- Privatizing state-owned businesses
- Lowering taxes and ending price controls
- Opposing the Iraq War in 2003, gaining significant international recognition
- Pushing for European integration and a strong Franco-German alliance
He was considered a traditional conservative but showed moments of social progressivism, notably acknowledging France’s role in the Holocaust during World War II.
Controversy and Conviction
In 2011, years after leaving office, Chirac was found guilty of corruption from his time as Mayor of Paris, including:
- Embezzlement
- Creating fake jobs for political allies
- Misuse of public funds
He received a suspended two-year sentence, making him the first French president to be convicted after leaving office.
Personal Life and Interests
- Married to Bernadette Chirac since 1956
- Father of two daughters: Claude (who became his advisor) and Laurence (who passed away in 2016)
- Educated at the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and École Nationale d’Administration (ENA)
- Known for his love of books, culture, and global diplomacy
- Founded the Fondation Chirac in 2008 to promote peace and sustainable development
Death and Legacy
Jacques Chirac died on September 26, 2019, at the age of 86. He left behind a mixed but deeply impactful legacy in French and international politics. He is remembered both for his charisma and leadership, as well as for the legal scandals that followed his presidency.
