Macronist Senate Group Leader François Patriat Dies After Bicycle Accident

François Patriat, a prominent figure in French politics and president of the Macronist group in the Senate, has died. He was 83 years old.

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This Wednesday, August 19, François Patriat, Senator of the Côte-d’Or, president of the RDPI Group, former president of the Burgundy Region, former minister, died at the hospital in Dijon, following a severe bicycle accident that occurred on July 17.

Patriat passed away in Dijon due to complications from a serious bicycle accident he sustained on July 17. He was a veterinarian by profession and became an early supporter of President Emmanuel Macron.

His death was announced by his parliamentary group, the Rassemblement des démocrates, progressistes et indépendants (RDPI). "This Wednesday, August 19, François Patriat... died at the hospital in Dijon, following a severe bicycle accident that occurred on July 17," the group stated.

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The Côte d’Or and Burgundy are losing one of their most faithful servants. The Republic, one of its most tireless artisans. For my part, I lose a dear friend.

President Macron expressed his condolences, calling Patriat "one of their most faithful servants" and "one of its most tireless artisans." He added, "For my part, I lose a dear friend."

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The Republic today loses one of its most faithful servants, and Burgundy, one of its most committed children. François Patriat dedicated his life to the general interest, defending his convictions without renouncing his freedom and his frankness. He knew how to lead our group in the Senate with determination and constancy and become a key figure in the Upper House.

The Renaissance movement also paid tribute, stating, "The Republic today loses one of its most faithful servants, and Burgundy, one of its most committed children. François Patriat dedicated his life to the general interest, defending his convictions without renouncing his freedom and his frankness. He knew how to lead our group in the Senate with determination and constancy and become a key figure in the Upper House."

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François Patriat had a certain idea of politics: one where the force of convictions never prevents benevolence, where loyalty never forbids freedom, where the opponent always deserves respect. He embodied, fundamentally, a certain conception of republican fraternity. (...) Just a few weeks ago, for his last question to the Government, these qualities were praised by everyone in the hemicycle. No one imagined then that this tribute would so quickly taste like a farewell.