PARIS (AP) — As French president, Jacques Chirac was called all sorts of names, not the least for his vociferous opposition to the U.S.-led war in Iraq. Now, he has a moniker that will stick: Convicted criminal.

The avuncular 79-year-old on Thursday became France’s first former leader to be convicted since Marshal Philippe Petain, who headed the Nazi collaborationist regime during World War II, in 1945. Chirac will not go to prison, but received a two-year suspended sentence for corruption linked to his 18-year term as the mayor of Paris.

The verdict was an uncomfortable coda to Chirac’s fourdecade career as a fixture of French politics, and could aid efforts by critics to rid the political system of its cushy cronyism. It also tarnishes the lofty image that French presidents often enjoy at home just as the country gears up for another presidential race.

Chirac was found guilty in two related cases involving 19 totally or partially fake jobs created for his benefit at the RPR party, which he led as Paris mayor from 1977 to 1995. He was convicted of embezzling public funds, abuse of trust, and illegal conflict of interest.

Critics of the conservative Chirac — many on the political left — hailed the decision as measured and courageous, saying the court showed how political elites and average citizens were equal under the law. Anti- corruption crusaders, long frustrated by dirty dealings in the French political machine, rejoiced.

“I see it as a historic and very important decision for the future of French democracy,” said Jerome Karsenti, a lawyer for the anti-corruption group Anticor, which had argued against Chirac as a civil party to the case.

“This is a strong message from the court — a message to all politicians of responsibility. It’s also proof of a mature and transparent democracy that is today able to make a distinction and try a former president,” Karsenti added.

Allies, however, expressed personal sadness for Chirac, praising him as a defender of French values on the world stage who was now embarrassed by what some characterized as a scandal of little consequence.

“This is a decision that I don’t believe will alter the personal relationship between the French people and Jacques Chirac,” said Prime Minister Francois Fillon, a fellow conservative.

“This conviction is severe — it’s both criminal and moral,” said Francois Hollande, the Socialist Party presidential candidate, who recently appeared in public with Chirac. “It strikes at the man, so I have a thought for him.”

Because Chirac has suffered from ill health and memory lapses recently, he was spared from appearing in court for a trial sought for years by investigating judges. The trial, which started in March, only became possible after he left office and lost his presidential immunity in 2007.