Bernadette Chirac, formidable former first lady of France, dies aged 93
AI Summary
Bernadette Chirac, widow of former French president Jacques Chirac and a significant political figure in her own right, died at age 93 on June 6, 2026. Beyond her role as first lady, she carved out an independent political career as an elected official in Corrèze and became widely known for founding the Pièces jaunes charitable initiative. She is remembered for her dignified endurance of her husband's infidelities and her evolution from a classical political spouse into a respected public figure.
Widow of French ex-president Jacques Chirac was a steely behind-the-scenes operator known for her charity work
Bernadette Chirac, the formidable widow of the former French president Jacques Chirac and a driving force behind his political rise, has died at the age of 93.
As France’s first lady for 12 years, Chirac was a steely behind-the-scenes operator in support of her husband, who served twice as prime minister, 18 years as mayor of Paris and two terms as president.
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