The former French presidents mentioned in the crossword solutions are Jacques Chirac, Rene COTY, and Edgar Faure. Jacques Chirac was the President of France from 1995 to 2007. He was a major figure in French politics for decades prior to his presidency, having served as Prime Minister from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988. Rene COTY was the President of France from 1954 to 1959. He was a member of the Radical Party and was known for his efforts to improve the economy and social welfare of France. Edgar Faure was the President of France from 1995 to 1959. He was a prominent politician in the Fourth Republic and was known for his efforts to modernize the French economy.