Former French Prime Minister Édouard Balladur dies at 97

Édouard Balladur, the conservative former French prime minister whose 1995 presidential campaign ended in a bitter contest with Jacques Chirac, has died in Paris at the age of 97, according to his family.

Balladur served as prime minister from 1993 to 1995 under Socialist President François Mitterrand, after conservatives won parliamentary elections. President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to him on X, calling him “a demanding, composed and committed servant of his country” who cared deeply about France.

“

a demanding, composed and committed servant of his country

Balladur began his political career as a close confidant of Georges Pompidou. He accompanied Pompidou to the Élysée Palace as secretary-general before later returning to government as prime minister.

“

a statesman with a progressive spirit

His best-known political battle came in 1995, when he entered the presidential race against conservative party leader Jacques Chirac. Balladur initially appeared to be the likely winner, but Chirac secured a lead and advanced to the second round. Chirac then won the presidency against Socialist candidate Lionel Jospin. The rivalry deeply divided the conservative camp and brought Balladur’s political career to an end.

After leaving politics, Balladur faced allegations that his campaign had secretly received kickbacks from arms contracts with Pakistan. The Court of Justice of the Republic acquitted him in 2021. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described him as “a statesman with a progressive spirit” who would remain a model for many people in his political camp. Les Républicains leader Bruno Retailleau said Balladur was among politicians who respected voters because they held “a noble idea of France.” His family said a memorial service would be held privately.

“

a noble idea of France