CHIRAC JACQUES: (1932-2019) French politician who served as Prime Minister of France 1974-76 ...

CHIRAC JACQUES: (1932-2019) French politician who served as Prime Minister of France 1974-76, 1986-88 and as President of France 1995-2007. T.L.S., J. Chirac, one page, 4to, Paris, 3^rd April 1981, to Frederic Brion, in French. Chirac thanks his correspondent for their letter and expressions of sympathy and continues 'L'interet que vous portez a mon action et la confiance que vous me manifestez me sont un precieux encouragement dans l'action que j'ai entreprise au service de notre pays. Croyez que je vous suis particulierement reconnaissant de votre temoignage' (Translation: 'Your interest in my action and the trust you show me are a precious encouragement in the action I have undertaken in the service of our country. Believe that I am particularly grateful to you for your testimony'), further providing the address of his support committee where posters and other documents relating to his campaign can be obtained. Together with a second T.L.S., J. Chirac, one page, 4to, Paris, 18^th April n.y. (1981), to Mr. J. Borni, in French. Chirac thanks his correspondent for their interest in his campaign for the presidential election and remarks 'A cet occasion, vous appelez plus particulierement mon attention sur le probleme du chomage des cadres. Ce probleme est helas significatif de la situation angoissant que nous vivons actuellement et votre lettre ne peut que me conforter dans ma conviction. Sachez que je menerai avec resolution, dans cette periode decisive pour l'avenir de notre pays, l'action que j'ai decide d'entreprendre pour la mise en oeuvre d'une nouvelle et reelle politique de l'emploi' (Translation: 'On this occasion, you draw my attention more particularly to the problem of executive unemployment. This problem is unfortunately significant of the distressing situation that we are currently experiencing, and your letter can only confirm my conviction. Know that I will carry out with resolution, in this decisive period for the future of our country, the action that I have decided to undertake for the implementation of a new and real employment policy'). VG to about EX, 2

Jacques Chirac made his first run for president against Valery Giscard d'Estaing in the 1981 French presidential election, although was eliminated in the first round on 26^th April with 18% of the vote. At the second round of voting on 10^th May Francois Mitterand defeated Valery Giscard d'Estaing to become the first Socialist president of the Fifth Republic.