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France Mourns Bernadette Chirac, 'Great Lady'
6 Jun
Summary
- Bernadette Chirac, former first lady, died at 93.
- She was a political operator with her own power base.
- Chirac led charity work for hospitalized children.
Bernadette Chirac, former first lady of France and a formidable political force, passed away at 93. She was a constant presence during her husband President Jacques Chirac's 12 years at the Élysée Palace, from 1995 to 2007.
Chirac forged her own political identity in rural Corrèze, becoming a municipal councilor and later a general councilor. Her influence extended to the Élysée, where her approval carried weight, demonstrating a unique female authority within a male-dominated political landscape.
Beyond politics, she dedicated herself to charitable work, notably heading a charity supporting children in hospitals from 1994 until 2019. Her later years saw her withdraw from public life due to declining health and grief.
President Emmanuel Macron remembered her as a "great lady of the heart" who left her mark on French history and touched millions through her philanthropic efforts.
