PARIS, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Former French President Jacques Chirac is recovering in a Paris hospital after surgery to remove kidney stones, his family says.
Frederic Salat-Baroux, Chirac's son-in-law, said Monday Chirac is expected to remain at La Pite Salpetriere for several days, Radio France Internationale reported.
"It went very well and he is doing fine," Salat-Baroux said.
Chirac, who just turned 81, had a stroke in 2005. In recent public appearances, he has been shaky, suggesting frail health.
Salat-Baroux said Chirac, who also served as mayor of Paris for more than 20 years and for two terms as prime minister, has lost interest in politics. But he said Chirac keeps up with art and foreign affairs and maintains close relations with his family.
Chirac was given a two-year suspended sentence in 2011 for embezzlement and abuse of power while he was Paris mayor. As a political leader, he was known for his direct style, which earned him the nickname "The Bulldozer," and for his opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
