Ex-French president Jacques Chirac on Thursday was found guilty of embezzlement and abuse of power in an unprecedented case that for the first time saw a former French leader face charges in court.

The popular 79-year-old, president between 1995 and 2007, was facing conflict of interest, abuse of power and embezzlement charges and could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros ($195,000).