Beyond the ceremonial role of first lady was a cold-eyed political operator who, almost alone among the wives of French ...

Bernadette Chirac was known as the loyal companion of one of France’s key postwar politicians. Read more at straitstimes.com.

PARIS (AP) — A man of imposing stature, with a broad smile and easy laugh, Jacques Chirac was the president of charisma and charm. Despite a corruption conviction and political scandals, his failed ...

See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. When French presidents invoke "the national interest," often as not it ...

A firm handshake and an unexpected round of applause saw incoming French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday usher his predecessor from the Elysee Palace — and out of a political career that ...

The death of Jacques Chirac leaves us with a paradox. He was the most popular president of the Fifth Republic, and yet one without any notable achievement during his tenure as leader. Of course, the ...

Foes of Jacques Chirac were relishing the idea of him being dragged to court in the spring to face corruption charges filed by legal authorities last year. So the news on Monday that the former French ...

Bernadette Chirac, widow of former French president Jacques Chirac and known as the loyal companion of one of France's key postwar politicians, died at the age of 93, their daughter told AFP Saturday.