Chirac Waves Political White Flag

Jacques Chirac, admired and scorned during 12 years as president of France, leaves a legacy as mixed and ambiguous as the man himself.

As widely expected, the French leader announced Sunday that he will not seek a third term in presidential elections in six weeks. In a televised address, Chirac said he would find new ways to serve his country after leaving office: "Serving France, and serving peace, is what I have committed my whole life to."

Though he did not say as much, the announcement was an implicit acknowledgment that low popularity, age – he is 74 – and Nicolas Sarkozy, his conservative colleague-cum-rival as hugely ambitious as Chirac once was, have finally overtaken him.

12 years is a long time to run a country. Chirac has been running France for almost 20% of my lifetime. I remember when I used to like France. I bet it was during the pre-Chirac era.

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