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Ex-French President Jacques Chirac passes away at 86

He was known for his strong stand against the American invasion of Iraq when approval rating for his anti-war stance in France soared to 90 per cent.

Ex-French President Jacques Chirac passes away at 86

Jacques Chirac (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Former French president Jacques Chirac died at the age of 86 on Thursday, according to reports.

Chirac had reportedly been hospitalised several times in the last ten years with a lung infection.

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He was president for 12 years after winning the election against Lionel Jospin on 7 May 1995 and again in 2002 against far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen.

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The death was confirmed by the former president’s son-in-law Frédéric Salat-Baroux.

Chirac was prime minister from 1974 – 1976, and again from 1986 to 1988.

He was known for his strong stand against the American invasion of Iraq when approval rating for his anti-war stance in France soared to 90 per cent.

On 15 December 2011, the Paris court declared Chirac guilty of diverting public funds and abusing public confidence and gave him a two-year suspended prison sentence.

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