Bernadette Chirac, influential former First Lady of France, passes away at 93

Bernadette Chirac, the influential former First Lady of France and wife of the late President Jacques Chirac, has passed away at the age of 93. She was a significant figure in French political life for over six decades and was known for her own political career and her deep involvement in her husband’s rise to power.

A Driving Force in Politics

Bernadette Chirac was more than just the wife of a president; she was a key advisor and a political force in her own right. Jacques Chirac himself acknowledged her importance, writing in his 2011 memoirs, “She is the woman of my life, we have achieved so much together.” For twelve years, her husband led France as president, passing away in 2019 at the age of 86. Bernadette Chirac remains the only French First Lady to have held political office, serving as a regional councilor for Corrèze from 1979 to 2015 and as deputy mayor of Sarran starting in 1977, while her husband’s political career flourished in Paris.

The couple met at the prestigious Sciences Po university in Paris and married in 1956. Jacques Chirac’s political journey saw him serve as mayor of Paris for 18 years, twice as Prime Minister, and as a minister of the Interior and Agriculture before his narrow victory in the 1995 presidential election against socialist opponent Lionel Jospin.

A Complex Political Figure

Jacques Chirac was known for his conservative-right political stance. He was notable for being the first French president to acknowledge France’s role in the Holocaust and for his strong opposition to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. While admired by many French citizens for his dry wit and charm, his career was also marked by scandals, including a conviction for embezzlement of public funds in 2011.

Bernadette Chirac was also candid about her husband’s reputation as a womanizer. In a 2016 documentary, she spoke openly about his infidelity, comparing women attracted to him to “moths drawn to a lamp.” She commented, “All men who have power or a lot of money attract women,” adding that while she could have been unfaithful, she chose not to be, stating, “To be honest, I am very much in love with my husband.”

Bernadette Chirac transformed the Élysée Palace into a place where her approval mattered. She refused to be merely defined as “the wife of.” Known for her sharp wit, but also for being ruthless and determined, she was often seen in elegant Chanel suits and large Dior sunglasses.

Presidential Tributes and Charitable Work

President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte expressed their deep sorrow at Bernadette Chirac’s passing. “As First Lady, she, along with President Chirac, marked our history,” Macron stated on X. He announced the opening of a condolence register at the Élysée Palace in her memory.

Macron also highlighted Bernadette Chirac’s impact on the lives of millions of young patients. She dedicated much of her life to charitable causes, notably as the public face of Opération Pièces Jaunes, a foundation that raises funds to improve the living conditions of children and teenagers in hospitals. Her commitment to these causes was deeply personal, stemming from the family’s own experience with loss. Their elder daughter, Laurence, died at 58 from cardiac arrest after battling an eating disorder that developed after contracting meningitis in her teenage years. Their younger daughter, Claude, served as her father’s personal advisor until his death.

In 2023, Catherine Deneuve portrayed Bernadette Chirac in “Bernadette,” a satirical comedy exploring her years at the Élysée.

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| Aspecto | Detalle |
|———————|————————————————|
| Nombre | Bernadette Chirac |
| Edad al fallecer | 93 años |
| Esposo | Jacques Chirac (expresidente de Francia) |
| Rol político | Primera Dama de Francia, consejera regional |
| Causa de caridad | Opération Pièces Jaunes (mejora hospitalaria) |

Bernadette Chirac’s passing marks the end of an era in French politics. Her influence extended beyond her role as First Lady, as she carved out her own political identity and championed important social causes. Her legacy as a strong, independent woman who actively shaped the political landscape alongside her husband will be remembered.

Fuente: NOS Voetbal – https://nos.nl/l/2617465

Datos clave