Jacques Chirac declared during his last cabinet meeting on Wednesday that he has"total confidence" in Nicolas Sarkozy to "propel France to new heights of success."

Chirac said "I have total confidence in the incoming President Nicolas Sarkozy to propel France to new heights of success in cohesion, unity and respect," according to the government spokesman Jean-Francois Cope.

"I wish him well in his new job," said the 74-year-old leader when chairing his last cabinet meeting after 14 years in power.

Chirac told the ministers "he was grateful for the work they have accomplished," Cope said.

Citing unemployment figures "the lowest during the last 25 years," insecurity decline and the social model "with retirement reforms, medical-insurance and creation of a new department for aged and dependent persons," Chirac told the ministers he was "proud of their action in the service of France."

Addressing his Prime Minister, Chirac said, "thanks to you, to your commitment and to your talent, dear Dominique de Villepin, France is respected in Europe and in the whole world."

Later, Chirac hosted a farewell lunch for the French government at the Elysee presidential palace.