Bernadette Chirac: Macron hails 'great lady of heart' as tributes pour in

Tributes poured in for Bernadette Chirac, the former First Lady of France, following her death, with President Emmanuel Macron remembering her as a "great lady of the heart" whose influence was felt deeply yet discreetly. Macron stated that she "changed so many lives with discretion and obstinacy," acknowledging her significant impact alongside her husband, President Jacques Chirac. He also noted her dedication to the Corrèze region, where she served as an elected official, and her quiet but constant commitment to millions of anonymous patients. The President expressed the nation's shared grief with her family and loved ones. Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region, described Chirac as a figure who "marked the political life of our country for more than half a century." Pécresse emphasized Chirac's role not just as a president's wife but as an engaged woman and a local representative deeply rooted in Corrèze, contributing discreetly but decisively to electoral victories in 1995 and 2002. She also highlighted Chirac's embodiment of the French First Lady with strength, freedom, and independence. Olivier Faure, the first secretary of the Socialist Party, paid homage to Chirac's contribution to the feminist movement "in her own way," noting that she carved out her own space in an era when women were often seen merely as extensions of their husbands. Bruno Retailleau, president of The Republicans, lauded her "dignity" and her embodiment of "the love of France and fidelity to her own." He described her as a woman of character, firm in her convictions, and close to the French people, going beyond the traditional role of First Lady. Laure Lavalette, spokesperson for the National Rally, also offered condolences, quoting Chirac's assertive statement about political power: "There is only one politician in the Élysée, and that is me!"

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Bernadette Chirac changed so many lives with discretion and obstinacy. A great lady of the heart is leaving us. The Nation shares the grief of her family, her loved ones, all those who loved her.