Former French president Jacques Chirac dies, aged 86

Thursday, 26 September 2019 15:44

Former French President Jacques Chirac has died aged 86.

"He passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his loved ones," his son-in-law Frederic Salat-Baroux told the media.

The lower house of the French parliament observed a minute's silence in his memory.

President Emmanuel Macron cancelled a public engagement and is set to make a televised address later Thursday.

Chirac, who served as president from 1995 to 2007, was dogged by allegations of corruption during his later days.

In the last years of his life, he suffered from neurological problems and was rarely seen in public.

More from International News

Pakistan records wettest April since 1961

Pakistan recorded its highest April rain since 1961, receiving more than double the usual rainfall for the month, according to the country's Meteorological Department.
Thousands protest in Tel Aviv to demand hostage return

Thousands of Israelis have protested demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that would see the remaining Israeli hostages brought home from Gaza.
Russia puts Ukraine's Zelenskiy on 'wanted' list

Russia has opened a criminal case against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and put him on a wanted list, the state news agency TASS reported on Saturday, citing the Interior Ministry's database.
Death toll from Brazil rains climbs to 56

The death toll from rains in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul rose to 56, local authorities said on Saturday morning, while dozens still have not been accounted for.
Hamas in a 'positive spirit' ahead of Cairo truce talks

Hamas has said it is sending a delegation to Cairo on Saturday to discuss a deal for a truce and the release of hostages in Gaza, hours after US CIA Director William Burns arrived in the Egyptian capital, according to Egyptian sources.

Four Dubai Metro stations remain closed following storms
Four Dubai Metro stations remain closed following extreme weather conditions the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed. Passengers are being urged to check for regular updates to the public transport network.
Ajman records tourism growth in 2024
Ajman witnessed a seven per cent increase in tourism revenue in the first quarter of 2024, driven by a three per cent rise in occupancy rates and a nine per cent growth in visitor numbers compared to the same period in 2023.
New gas reserves found in Sharjah
The Sharjah Petroleum Council (SPC), a Government of Sharjah undertaking, has announced the discovery of new gas reserves in Al Hadiba field, located north of the Al Sajaa Industrial Area in Sharjah.