FRANCE TO BID FAREWELL TO FORMER FIRST LADY BERNADETTE CHIRAC
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
France on Friday will pay its final respects to Bernadette Chirac, the widow of former French president Jacques Chirac, at a funeral ceremony in Paris expected to draw leading figures from politics, government, and the entertainment industry.
Bernadette Chirac, who served as France’s first lady during her husband’s 12-year presidency while also building a respected political career of her own, died on June 5 at the age of 93.
Her funeral is scheduled to take place at the Sainte-Clotilde Basilica, a location of deep personal significance to the Chirac family.
Among those expected to attend are Brigitte Macron, former French presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, as well as Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni.
The French government will be represented by Catherine Vautrin.
The basilica holds a special place in the family’s history. Bernadette and Jacques Chirac were married in the nearby Sainte-Clotilde Chapel, while the funeral of their eldest daughter, Laurence Chirac, was also held there in 2016.
Part of the 650-seat basilica will be opened to members of the public, allowing citizens to participate in the farewell ceremony. The funeral mass will also be broadcast to mourners gathered outside the church.
Throughout her life, Bernadette Chirac was widely known for her charitable work and commitment to public service. Beyond her role as first lady, she established an independent political identity through decades of service as an elected councillor in the rural department of Correze, the political stronghold of her husband.
She also served on the municipal council of the village of Sarran, maintaining close ties with local communities throughout her public life.
Further tributes are scheduled to take place in Correze on Sunday, where local councillors will honour her legacy. Representatives from the department are expected to carry her coffin into the basilica during the funeral ceremony.
Following the service, Bernadette Chirac will be laid to rest in the family plot at Montparnasse Cemetery, bringing to a close the life of one of France’s most enduring political spouses and public figures.
Her death marks the end of a chapter in modern French political history, with tributes continuing to pour in for a woman remembered for her loyalty, public service, and dedication to charitable causes.
AFP
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