News Screen – Bernadette Chirac, former First Lady of France who was known as President Jacques Chirac’s loyal companion for decades, has died at the age of 93.
Her departure marks the end of one of the most influential female figures in modern French political life.
During the 12 years of Jacques Chirac’s presidency, Bernadette was known as a figure who was always present to accompany her husband on various state agendas and social activities.
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Behind her role as First Lady, she also built a political career and humanitarian activities that gave her a special place in French society.
Born on May 18, 1933 into the noble Chodron de Courcel family, Bernadette met Jacques Chirac when they were both studying at the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris or Sciences Po in 1954. They married two years later and had two daughters.
Their marriage lasted more than six decades and weathered many political and personal challenges. However, Bernadette is still known as a figure who faithfully accompanied Jacques Chirac’s political career until he became President of France in 1995 and was re-elected in 2002.
Apart from carrying out her duties as First Lady, Bernadette is active in various social activities, especially those related to the health and welfare of children. His dedication to the humanitarian field has earned him wide appreciation from the public.
In the world of politics, Bernadette also has her own involvement as a councilor in the Corrèze region, an area that has been the political base of the Chirac family for many years. He plays a role in various development activities and community services in the area.
His calm, disciplined and elegant personality made him one of France’s most respected public figures. This image even inspired the French film industry through a film entitled “Bernadette” which was released in 2023 and tells the story of her life as First Lady.
In the final days of Jacques Chirac’s life, Bernadette was known to be very protective in protecting the privacy of her husband, who had serious health problems and had to use a wheelchair.
After Jacques Chirac died in 2019, Bernadette lived more of a private life and rarely appeared in public. His health condition has also reportedly continued to decline in recent years.
Apart from losing her husband, Bernadette previously also faced deep grief after her eldest daughter, Laurence Chirac, died in 2016 at the age of 58.
Bernadette Chirac will be remembered as a figure who not only served as presidential companion, but also as a female figure who showed dedication to public service, social activities and French political life for decades. ***
