Jacques Chirac

For more than 40 years, Jacques Chirac has been at the center of French political life. "The Bulldozer," as he is known, has served in every major office of the French state, from mayor of Paris and prime minister to the presidency, which he has held since 1995. His influence in the history of modern France is surpassed only by Charles de Gaulle. But despite this impressive record, Chirac has in recent years become a controversial figure, beset by corruption scandals and political crises. As his